Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality (VR)-Simulated Symptoms on Public Empathy and Attitude Toward Schizophrenia

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive experiences that allow individuals to adopt others’ perspectives, presenting a promising tool for reducing stigma and enhancing empathy. Nevertheless, empirical findings regarding the effectiveness of VR in cultivating empathy remain inconsistent. This study examined the impact of first-person experiences in public settings on empathy toward individuals with schizophrenia. Participants interacted with simulations via either desktop computers or immersive VR devices. After the experience, they completed self-report questionnaires assessing empathy and spatial presence across conditions. Results indicate that VR-based psychosis simulations enhance empathic concern, cognitive empathy, and affective empathy, though they do not reduce personal distress. Furthermore, media modality exerted a notable influence on attitudes, with heightened spatial presence in VR strongly associated with deeper immersion and greater empathic and attitudinal improvements. These findings highlight the potential of VR first-person narratives as an effective tool for fostering empathy and advancing health education on psychosis.