J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2024 Nov;31(4):382-395. 10.7739/jkafn.2024.31.4.382.

Are Virtual Reality-Based, Non-Face-to-Face Interventions Effective for Patients with Social Phobia? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

• Lee M
• Park S
• An N
• Jeong H

• KMID: 2561806
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2024.31.4.382

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.

Keyword

Anxiety; Depression; Meta-analysis; Phobia; Social; Virtual reality.