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AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality Self-Talk for Psychological Counseling: Formative Qualitative Study
Moreah Zisquit1, Alon Shoa2, Ramon Oliva3
1Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel.
JMIR Formative Research
|April 2, 2025
Summary
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into virtual reality (VR) self-talk enhances psychological counseling. This AI-assisted VR approach shows promise for improving self-reflection and problem-solving, with users preferring it over standard VR self-talk.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Psychological Interventions
- Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health
Background:
- Global mental health services face challenges meeting demand, prompting interest in AI solutions.
- Virtual reality (VR) self-talk offers a novel approach by externalizing self-conversation via avatars.
- AI integration in VR self-talk may address user difficulties and enhance psychological support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the challenges and benefits of integrating AI into VR self-talk for psychological counseling.
- To explore user experience with AI-assisted VR for self-reflection, problem-solving, and behavioral change.
Main Methods:
- Iterative design and development of an LLM-integrated VR self-talk system over 2.5 years.
- Exploratory qualitative study with 11 healthy participants using AI-assisted VR self-talk.
- Applied thematic analysis of semistructured interviews post-session, guided by a clinical psychologist.
Main Results:
- Four themes emerged: quality of AI advice, human-AI collaboration benefits, virtual human believability, and avatar preferences.
- Participants rated high desire for future sessions (8.3/10) and preferred AI-assisted VR self-talk.
- AI-enhanced VR self-talk improved outcomes, facilitated positive thinking, and boosted self-reflection and problem-solving.
Conclusions:
- LLM-based agents can significantly enhance the VR self-talk paradigm for psychological support.
- The study outlines methods for AI integration, potential challenges, and key insights for future development.
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