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Exploring the use of virtual reality for episodic future thinking.

Simon T van Baal1, Verity Petratos2, Arnaud Prouzeau3

  • 1Analytics, Technology, and Operations Department, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, Charles Thackrah Building, 90 Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS29JT, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV47AL, United Kingdom.

Acta Psychologica
|May 3, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Virtual Reality (VR) may help individuals overcome undervaluing future rewards by simulating future scenarios. This approach, known as episodic future thinking (EFT), shows preliminary promise in reducing present bias and improving decision-making.

Keywords:
Delay discountingEpisodic future thinkingIntertemporal choicePresent biasVirtual reality

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

  • Undervaluing future rewards contributes to addiction and eating disorders.
  • Episodic future thinking (EFT) enhances future reward valuation but requires significant cognitive effort.
  • Current methods for facilitating EFT are not universally accessible.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Virtual Reality (VR) in facilitating EFT.
  • To determine if VR-based EFT can reduce present bias and time-sensitive devaluation.
  • To explore VR as an accessible tool for improving future-oriented decision-making.

Main Methods:

  • A study comparing a VR-based EFT experience with a control condition.
  • Participants completed an inter-temporal choice task to assess reward preferences.
  • Measures included present bias and time-sensitive devaluation estimations.

Main Results:

  • Results were inconclusive, but trends suggested potential benefits.
  • The VR-based EFT protocol indicated a possible reduction in present bias.
  • Indications of decreased time-sensitive devaluation and preference reversals were observed.

Conclusions:

  • VR shows potential as a tool to facilitate episodic future thinking.
  • VR-based EFT may offer a novel approach to mitigate issues related to undervaluing future rewards.
  • Preliminary findings support further research into VR for cognitive and behavioral interventions.