Mood effects of immersion, control, and interaction in virtual reality eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy

I sought to solve the issues of user control, interactivity, and excitement for a therapeutic virtual reality (VR) application based on the eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for the health technology company Psylaris. I discovered design dilemmas and issues in user experience by studying participants while they were using a desktop version of Psylaris’ EMDR-VR application. Based on the findings, I designed and developed a new immersive prototype, targeting an increased sense of control, interactivity, and mood, as well as implementing a calming natural environment based on research from environmental psychology. The prediction was that the immersive VR prototype would increase a sense of control, interactivity, and mood in comparison to a desktop EMDR application. The prototype was studied on participants using an Oculus Go VR headset and it saw a reported increase in sense of control and a decrease in negative mood. However, the sense of interactivity did not seem to increase compared to the first study. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

R. J. Pohjanheimo

Pohjanheimo, R. J. (2020) Mood effects of immersion, control, and interaction in virtual reality eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. (Master’s thesis, University of Twente)