Fear of heights? A virtual reality flying whale ride helps you get over it, researchers discover
One in five people have a fear of heights at some point in their lives, and most never receive treatment. VR-based therapy in which they rescue a cat from a tree, ride a whale and more brings a big reduction in fear levels, a study shows
People who have lived with a fear of heights for decades became less afraid after virtual reality (VR) therapy had them riding a flying whale, researchers said this week.
A specialised team that included psychologists and IT experts put confirmed acrophobes through their paces in a series of lifelike VR simulations, after which all reported “a reduction in fear”, they announced.
VR-based treatments, the team concluded, “have the potential to greatly increase treatment provision for mental health disorders.”
With a virtual “coach” to guide people through treatment, the new method could offer a low-cost way of providing care to people who cannot afford or access a face-to-face therapist.
The VR coach uses an actor’s recorded voice.