Facing yourself in a virtual reality-assisted perspective-taking intervention: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Introduction: People's self-narratives—how they relate to themselves and others—are closely intertwined with psychological suffering and wellbeing. This study investigates a perspective-taking intervention rooted in Relational Frame Theory (RFT), where participants observe themselves from an outside perspective in Virtual Reality (VR). Methods: Three participants watched 3D-filmed versions of themselves through a VR headset while reflecting on perspective-taking questions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: The intervention helped participants become more aware of their self-relating. They recognized how they internalized perceived judgments from others and how they adjusted their behavior accordingly. Self-critical tendencies and the double standards they applied to themselves vs. others became more apparent, often evoking self-compassion. The intervention also revealed discrepancies between participants' internal and external views—that is, how they perceived themselves from the inside vs. the outside. Discussion: These findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of this intervention, both for assessing and influencing self-relating.