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Automated mobile virtual reality cognitive behavior therapy for aviophobia in a natural setting: a randomized
T Donker1,2, J R Fehribach1, C van Klaveren3,4
1Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands.
Psychological Medicine
|November 25, 2022
Summary
A smartphone app combining virtual reality (VR) cognitive behavior therapy (VR-CBT) significantly reduced aviophobia symptoms long-term. This accessible treatment offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for fear of flying.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Health
- Virtual Reality Applications
Background:
- Access to evidence-based psychological treatments remains a global challenge.
- Aviophobia (fear of flying) significantly impacts individuals' quality of life.
- Current treatment alternatives for aviophobia can be costly and inaccessible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a fully automated virtual reality (VR) cognitive behavior therapy (VR-CBT) smartphone app for treating aviophobia.
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and maintenance of treatment gains.
- To determine the feasibility of delivering VR-CBT in participants' natural environments.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind randomized controlled trial with 153 participants diagnosed with aviophobia.
- Participants were randomized to either an automated VR-CBT app or a wait-list control group.
- Treatment was delivered over 6 weeks, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups.
Main Results:
- The VR-CBT app group showed a significant reduction in aviophobia symptoms compared to the control group (d = 0.98).
- Treatment effects were maintained at 3-month (d = 1.14) and 12-month (d = 1.12) follow-ups.
- A dropout rate of 21% was observed, with six participants reporting cybersickness.
Conclusions:
- Fully automated mobile VR-CBT therapy delivered in natural settings is effective for reducing aviophobia symptoms.
- This approach offers a scalable, accessible, and cost-effective evidence-based treatment solution.
- The long-term effectiveness of mobile VR-CBT demonstrates its potential for global application.
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