Using Virtual Reality to address mental well-being
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A virtual reality well-being waiting room for improved mental well-being and self-help amongst people living with type 1 diabetes
IRAS ID
248106
Contact name
Shaun Jerdan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the Highlands and Islands
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Our research and intervention will assess the feasibility of a virtual reality mental well-being program designed to run alongside standard treatment for people with type 1 diabetes. An interactive ‘well-being waiting room’ has been created using computer software. The waiting room – an open world virtual environment – is situated out-doors in nature. Towering trees, blue skies, colourful flowers and a sandy beach all help create a relaxing ambience. To engage participants the environment consists of four personalised interactive areas. A music corner, a picture corner, and a mindfulness beach can be found where participants have resources connected to their condition. Participants will be asked to turn up 20 minutes prior to appointments with their DSN. This allows individuals to have a 15 minute exposure session to the environment which will be viewed through a virtual reality head-mounted device connected to a PC. The intervention will take place for a period of 4-6 weeks, with one exposure session per week. Pre and post-test self-report questionnaires will be used to assess levels of anxiety, depression, well-being and presence. We hypothesise that upon completion of the intervention participants will see an improvement in at least one mental well-being variable and that those who feel more present in the virtual environment will see the greatest improvements.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0445
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion