Are Virtual Reality-Based, Non-Face-to-Face Interventions Effective for Patients with Social Phobia? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
10.7739/jkafn.2024.31.4.382
- Author:
Mihyun LEE
1
;
Seyeon PARK
;
Na AN
;
Hyun JEONG
Author Information
1. Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Daejeon Health University, Daejeon, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing
2024;31(4):382-395
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect size of anxiety and psychological outcomes of virtual reality interventions in patients with anxiety disorders.
Methods:A total of 835 studies were initially identified, of which six were found to be suitable according to the PICO (P: Patients with social phobia, I: VR technology, C: non VR technology, O: Variables related to mental health). criteria.
Results:An analysis of the effect size of these studies confirmed that virtual reality interventions were not statistically significantly effective for generalized anxiety disorder (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-0.84 to 1.15), but exhibited statistically significant effects for social anxiety (SMD=-0.56, 95% CI=-0.87 to -0.25) disorder and relational anxiety disorder (SMD -0.83, 95% CI=-1.49 to -0.16). Although these interventions were not statistically significantly effective for depression (SMD=-0.40, 95% CI=-0.84 to 0.04), they were effective in reducing negative emotions (SMD=-0.75, 95% CI=-1.20 to -0.31).
Conclusion:Virtual reality interventions based on the desensitization effect may be considered a viable option for reducing anxiety disorders.
