Use of Virtual Reality (VR) as a Clinical Tool for Management of Self-Perceived Anxiety in College Students

Abstract

College students have reported the transition to college and leaving home is a time of great stress and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to reduce the self-perceived anxiety of college students through the use of Virtual Reality (VR). The participants in this study consisted of 20 college students at a small, rural, private liberal arts college from varying majors. The participants were tested pre VR utilizing the Beck Anxiety Inventory to measure levels of perceived anxiety. The participants were introduced to interventions utilizing VR and then provided the Beck Anxiety Inventory post participation of the VR. The results indicated VR interventions had a significant effect in reducing self-perceived anxiety. The VR interventions were provided through the use of Oculus Rift VR and applications used were free to the user. The study highlights the importance of college students recognizing anxiety symptoms and ways to manage perceived anxiety through the use of VR as one avenue to reduce anxiety symptoms.