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Virtual Reality Aggression Prevention Therapy (VRAPT) versus Waiting List Control for Forensic Psychiatric
Stéphanie Klein Tuente1,2, Stefan Bogaerts3,4, Erik Bulten5,6
1Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 26, 2020
Summary
Virtual reality aggression prevention training (VRAPT) did not reduce aggressive behavior in forensic psychiatric inpatients. While VRAPT temporarily improved anger control and reduced impulsivity, these effects were not sustained.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Virtual Reality Applications
Background:
- Forensic psychiatric inpatients frequently exhibit difficulties with aggressive behavior regulation.
- Effective treatment options for aggression in this population remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic virtual reality aggression prevention training (VRAPT) for forensic psychiatric inpatients.
- To assess VRAPT's impact on observed and self-reported aggressive behavior, anger control, impulsivity, and hostility.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 128 forensic psychiatric inpatients across four Dutch centers.
- Participants were assigned to either VRAPT (16 sessions) or a waiting list control group.
- Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- VRAPT did not significantly decrease primary outcomes of observed or self-reported aggressive behavior compared to the control group.
- Significant improvements in hostility, anger control, and non-planning impulsiveness were observed post-treatment in the VRAPT group.
- These improvements were not maintained at the 3-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- VRAPT does not appear to be effective in reducing aggressive behavior among forensic psychiatric inpatients.
- The training may offer temporary benefits for anger control, impulsivity, and hostility in this population.
