Virtual Reality Therapy Implementation for Zoophobia

Published in: Global Partnerships for Development and Engineering Education: Proceedings of the 15th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education and Technology
Date of Conference: July 19-21, 2017
Location of Conference: Boca Raton, FL, United States
Authors: Alcides Alvear, (Universidad del Turabo, PR)
Shawn Disdier, (Universidad del Turabo, PR)
Ricardo Cruz, (Universidad del Turabo, PR)
Miguel Goenaga, (Universidad del Turabo, PR)
Full Paper: #448

Abstract:

Approximately 19.2 million adult Americans suffer from specific phobias, an irrational fear of a particular entity or event. Among the most common of phobias lies the fear of animals, normally called Zoophobia. Usually, when a person with Zoophobia is exposed to or even things about the animal dreaded, they will go through physical and emotional symptoms of extreme anxiety reaction, like: excessive sweating, trouble controlling muscles, dizziness, fainting, elevated heart rate, rapid and shallow breathing, etc. Some patients refuse to leave their homes in fear of encountering said animal, forcing them to become secluded. Unfortunately, many individuals do not seek treatment for their phobias, and only 20% of people who get professional help, recover completely. Therefore, the objective of this project is to provide a reasonable alternative for treating various types of Zoophobias, using virtual reality, beginning with the fear of cockroaches. To achieve said objective, a virtual world is developed using Unity, and Sweet Home 3D, and is implemented into an Oculus Rift virtual reality glasses. Patients will be transported to a house-like environment with the Oculus Rift, and gradually exposed to the cockroaches, while progressively approaching them with no real risk or further traumatization. This will be made to feel as realistic as possible to help the patient feel more at home, while helping them adjust to their fears in places where these animals are more likely to be found.