Abstract
Objective: The authors' goal was to examine the efficacy of computer- generated (virtual reality) graded exposure in the treatment of acrophobia (fear of heights). Method: Twenty college students with acrophobia were randomly assigned to virtual reality graded exposure treatment (N=12) or to a waiting-list comparison group (N=8). Seventeen students completed the study. Sessions were conducted individually over 8 weeks. Outcome was assessed by using measures of anxiety, avoidance, attitudes, and distress associated with exposure to heights before and after treatment. Results: Significant differences between the students who completed the virtual reality treatment (N=10) and those on the waiting list (N=7) were found on all measures. The treatment group was significantly improved after 8 weeks, but the comparison group was unchanged. Conclusions: The authors conclude that treatment with virtual reality graded exposure was successful in reducing fear of heights.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 626-628 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | American Journal of Psychiatry |
Volume | 152 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1995 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health