ReCoVR: Realising Collaborative Virtual Reality for Wellbeing and Self-healing

Imre Cikajlo, Urša Čižman Štaba, Suzana Vrhovac, Frances Larkin, and Mark Roddy

Keywords

virtual reality, psychology, Samsung, mindfulness

Abstract

In early 2016 the ReCoVR team evaluated a novel system for remote acquisition of a meditation based stress and anxiety reduction therapy, mindfulness. The system is based on a cloud server web-interface and remote clients, using Samsung smartphones, with GearVR virtual reality (VR) glasses. The application enables group sessions in the virtual world, 3D videos and real-time interactions, as well as standalone meditation. An 8-week mindfulness based stress reduction course has been designed for this VR application. The course was preliminary tested with 8 participants; 4 employees and 4 patients with traumatic brain injuries. Their outcomes were evaluated using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results are encouraging and may accelerate the development of innovative uses of tele-psychology technologies.

Important Links:

Go Back