Self-compassion
can be learned using avatars in an immersive virtual reality, finds new
research led by UCL. This innovative approach reduced self-criticism and
increased self-compassion and feelings of contentment in naturally
self-critical individuals. The scientists behind the MRC-funded study say it
could be applied to treat a range of clinical conditions including depression. The
team of psychologists and computer scientists from UCL, University of Barcelona
and University of Derby designed a method to improve people's compassion to
themselves, by creating a unique self-to-self situation using avatars and
computer gaming technology. Virtual reality has previously been used to treat
psychological disorders including phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder
but this research focused on a new application for promoting emotional
well-being
In the study, 43
healthy but self-critical women experienced a life-size virtual body
substituting their own, giving a first person perspective of a virtual room through
the eyes of the avatar. The participants were all trained to express compassion
towards a distressed virtual child while in their adult virtual body. As they
talked to the crying child, it appeared to listen and respond positively to the
compassion. After a few minutes, 22 of the participants were then transferred
to the virtual child body and from this perspective they saw their original
virtual adult body deliver their own compassionate words and gestures to them.
The remaining 21 participants observed their original virtual adult body
express compassion to the child from a third person perspective. The
participants were surveyed for mood, state and personality traits before and
after the experiment using verified tests.
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