Embodying self-compassion within virtual reality and its effects on patients with depression.
Name:
Gilbert_2018_embodying_selfcom ...
Size:
103.8Kb
Format:
PDF
Description:
Published PDF (Open Access CCBY)
Authors
Falconer, Caroline J.Rovira, Aitor
King, John A.
Gilbert, Paul

Antley, Angus
Fearon, Pasco
Ralph, Neil
Slater, Mel
Brewin, Chris R.
Issue Date
2018-01-02
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background Self-criticism is a ubiquitous feature of psychopathology and can be combatted by increasing levels of self-compassion. However, some patients are resistant to self-compassion. Aims To investigate whether the effects of self-identification with virtual bodies within immersive virtual reality could be exploited to increase self-compassion in patients with depression. Method We developed an 8-minute scenario in which 15 patients practised delivering compassion in one virtual body and then experienced receiving it from themselves in another virtual body. Results In an open trial, three repetitions of this scenario led to significant reductions in depression severity and self-criticism, as well as to a significant increase in self-compassion, from baseline to 4-week follow-up. Four patients showed clinically significant improvement. Conclusions The results indicate that interventions using immersive virtual reality may have considerable clinical potential and that further development of these methods preparatory to a controlled trial is now warranted.Citation
Falconer, C. J. et al (2016) 'Embodying self-compassion within virtual reality and its effects on patients with depression, BJPsych Open, 2 (01):74.Publisher
Cambridge University PressJournal
BJPsych OpenDOI
10.1192/bjpo.bp.115.002147Additional Links
https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056472400001186/type/journal_articleType
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
20564724ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1192/bjpo.bp.115.002147
Scopus Count
Collections
The following license files are associated with this item:
- Creative Commons
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as Archived with thanks to BJPsych Open