Evaluation of Virtual Reality Use in Psychotherapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (#1503)

Authors

Herrera, Valeria

Valle, Reyna

Alvarado, María José

Abstract

Glossophobia, a form of social anxiety characterized by a fear of public speaking, creates challenges for effective treatment, including difficulties in organizing exposure sessions and limited access to resources. Virtual reality (VR) has been explored as an alternative, providing controlled environments where individuals can gradually face their fears. This study examines the use of rendered VR and 360-degree video-based VR to support exposure therapy for glossophobia. A quasi-experimental design was used with seven participants diagnosed with social anxiety. They were selected using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and took part in six VR exposure sessions. Their anxiety levels were measured using the Public Speaking Anxiety Scale (PSAS) and heart rate monitoring, while the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) assessed their sense of presence in the virtual environments. Participants were assigned to either rendered VR or 360-degree video-based VR, then switched to the other condition. The sessions took place in a controlled setting, following a structured process to ensure consistency. The study also considered external factors such as participant comfort, space setup, and the type of speech topics used in each session. Statistical analyses were applied to compare anxiety levels before and after exposure and to evaluate differences between the two VR environments. This study explores VR as a potential tool for managing glossophobia and considers its use as an alternative to in vivo exposure therapy. Future research should focus on larger samples, longer intervention periods, additional physiological markers, and follow-up evaluations to determine its long-term benefits and clinical applications.