FutureU for Mental Health
FutureU for Mental Health involves adaptations of the FutureU VR intervention paradigm for use with people experiencing symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation (SI). In these adaptations, research participants meet and embody realistic virtual avatars of either their future or their former (i.e., child) selves. Using therapeutic techniques and clinical interventions (e.g., two-chair technique, coping plan), the affordances of the FutureU VR paradigm are exploited to explore the potential of embodiment of the future and former self to treat disorders. Two studies are currently underway, the Future Self Coping Plan and Positive Future Memories Intervention, and the VR Self-Criticism Study.
In the Future Self Coping Plan and Positive Future Memories Intervention we hypothesize that a VR intervention on thoughts of the future self may be particularly effective for individuals experiencing depression and SI, as these disorders are characterized by vague and negative thoughts about the future self and involve executive function deficits that make it difficult to engage in future thought independently. Thus, our intervention has the potential to offer scaffolding for both the content and the cognitive processes underlying depression and SI. Through two VR exercises, participants meet, interact with, and embody realistic virtual avatars of their future selves at both one week and 10 years in the future to practice coping skills and to create positive future memories.
The VR Self-Criticism Study explores the potential of virtual reality to help individuals reduce excessive self-criticism, a key factor in depressive disorders. This immersive VR method, inspired by schema therapy, allows participants to interact with avatars representing different aspects of themselves, such as an inner critical voice and a vulnerable child. By “switching perspectives” between avatars, participants can experience emotional shifts that promote self-compassion and reduce negative self-images.
This research aims to assess the feasibility of VR for emotion-focused interventions, specifically in addressing self-criticism, by measuring changes in self-criticism, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem through pre- and post-intervention surveys. This study offers a novel application of VR to improve therapeutic outcomes for individuals struggling with self-criticism, with the goal of establishing VR as a promising tool in mental health care.
