Proof of Concept for Efficacy of VR-based Self-Attachment Intervention in a Non-Clinical Population

Abstract

The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new VR platform for practising the Self-Attachment Technique (SAT) in a non-clinical population. SAT is a self-administered psychotherapeutic technique where the individual creates an affectional bond with their childhood self and vows to re-raise this child to emotional wellbeing. During an 8-week trial, participants practised the SAT exercises either by animating their personalised childhood avatar into different emotional states in VR or imaginatively using their childhood photos. Participants’ measurements were collected before and after the intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up, and analysed to understand whether changes over time, in the areas of well-being, self-compassion and psychological capital, are significant. Overall, participants experienced significant improvement in wellbeing (primary outcome) with large effect size (r = 0.86). A main result of the study indicated that the effect of VR (d = 1.12) is much better compared to the childhood photos (d = 0.47) and that the intervention had a profound impact on participants’ daily lives based on their feedback. This study shows that practising SAT with the use of the participant’s childhood avatar in a virtual environment can be beneficial and have enduring effects.

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