A Mobile Healing Program Using Virtual Reality for Sexual Violence Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Mental Health Interventions
• Trauma Recovery

Background:

• Sexual violence significantly impacts young women, yet self-healing engagement is low.
• Effective, accessible interventions are crucial for survivors of sexual violence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a mobile virtual intervention for young women in South Korea who have experienced sexual violence.
• To assess the intervention's impact on perceived support, negative impact from sexual violence, and suicidal ideation.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week mobile virtual intervention, 'Sister, I will tell you!©', combined reflective writing and mindfulness meditation.
• 34 female sexual violence survivors were randomized into an experimental group (intervention) or a control group (audio-guided meditation).
• Standardized instruments measured outcomes; reflective writing was analyzed thematically.

Main Results:

• A moderate effect size was observed, with significant improvements in perceived support, negative impact from sexual violence, and suicidal ideation.
• The intervention facilitated engagement in healing, with themes including objectifying violence, action-based healing, confronting issues, and sharing experiences.
• Completion rates were high, with 26/34 participants finishing the intervention and 24/34 completing follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The mobile virtual intervention shows potential for engaging young women in healing from sexual violence.
• Accessible digital interventions, even without direct human interaction, can benefit sexual violence survivors.