Virtual Reality Technology in Individual Self-Compassion Interventions: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Health

Background:

• Self-compassion is crucial for managing anxiety and depression.
• Traditional self-compassion methods rely on imagination.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel approach to self-compassion interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize evidence on VR applications for self-compassion.
• To provide guidance for future clinical implementation of VR self-compassion interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across ten major databases.
• Inclusion criteria applied to studies on VR and self-compassion.
• Categorization of VR interventions into non-interactive and interactive types.

Main Results:

• Sixteen studies were included, classifying VR interventions as non-interactive or interactive (scene-based or character-based).
• All intervention types showed positive trends in enhancing self-compassion.
• Participants reported good adherence and favorable user experiences.

Conclusions:

• VR-based self-compassion interventions are effective and well-accepted.
• Different VR types suit diverse populations and needs.
• Methodological limitations necessitate further high-quality, large-scale trials to validate long-term effects.