Grigorakis, Georgios; (2024) Nurturing Self-Compassion: Exploring Interactions with One’s Child-Self in Virtual Reality. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

Text Thesis_final_volume1_Grigorakis.pdf Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 1 November 2025. Download (4MB)

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is steadily making it into the realm of treatment within healthcare. One area with increasing and compelling evidence is the use of VR for the treatment of psychological trauma and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Whilst the efficacy of such treatment is well documented, less is currently known about service users’ experiences of it. Aim: The current review aims to bring together service users’ experiences and perspectives on the use of VR for the treatment of trauma and/or PTSD. Method: A systematic search of the literature yielded 14 papers for inclusion in the systematic review. Data was analysed using thematic synthesis. Results: Four overarching analytical themes, each with further descriptive themes, were developed as follows: ‘facilitation of trauma processing’, ‘progress’, ‘evaluating the traumafocused VR potential’, and ‘optimising trauma-focused VR effectiveness’. Conclusion: Overall, participants found trauma-focused VR interventions to be acceptable and helpful treatments for processing trauma. It is therefore suggested that such interventions may be alternative treatment options, particularly for those who struggle with avoidance or where traditional treatment has not been successful.

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