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The clinical potential of augmented reality
Christine Vinci1,2, Karen O Brandon1, Marloes Kleinjan3,4
1Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
Summary
Augmented reality (AR) offers a novel approach for psychological treatments by presenting virtual stimuli in real-world settings. This technology could enhance extinction-based therapies for conditions like anxiety and substance use disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Digital Health
Background:
- Augmented reality (AR) integrates digital information with the physical world.
- AR is increasingly used in various sectors but underutilized in mental health.
- Existing AR research in psychology primarily addresses simple phobias.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce augmented reality (AR) as a therapeutic tool for psychological disorders.
- Explore AR's potential in enhancing extinction-based therapies.
- Highlight research questions for AR in clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on AR technology and extinction-based therapies.
- Comparison of AR with virtual reality (VR).
- Examples of AR application in substance use disorder treatment.
Main Results:
- AR can superimpose digital stimuli onto real-world views via devices like smartphones or headsets.
- AR may improve the generalizability of exposure therapy by using naturalistic environments.
- The study identifies key research gaps in AR for psychological treatment.
Conclusions:
- AR presents a promising, mobile modality for treating psychological disorders.
- Extinction-based therapies can be enhanced by AR's ability to present stimuli in naturalistic settings.
- Further research is needed to address theoretical, practical, and implementation challenges of AR in clinical practice.
