Tratamiento de fobias mediante el uso de la realidad virtual en Cuenca

Abstract

In this paper, the authors seek, through experimentation, corroborate that the use of virtual reality (VR) as a psychological tool for the treatment of phobias is effective. The approach of the study was quantitative; the design was quasi-experimental with an explanatory scope. The BAI battery (Beck Anxiety Inventory) was applied to measure levels of anxiety; the physiological reactions were recorded using a pulse oximeter; the subjective levels of anxiety and skin conductance were measured using electronic tools included in the virtual reality package used. The study was conducted with 20 students from the faculty of psychology at the University of Cuenca, with some type of specific phobia. The participants were divided into an experimental group consisting of four men and six women between 18 and 29 years old, and a control group composed of two men and eight women between 18 and 27 years old. As a result, there was a significant decrease in anxiety levels in the experimental group with respect to the control group; In conclusion, the use of virtual reality for the treatment of specific phobias was effective in terms of reducing anxiety in the population studied.