Psychology students explore virtual reality’s role in overcoming fears, phobias and anxieties

Psychology students at York St John University are being granted early access to leading edge virtual reality technology to treat phobias. Third year students will be exploring and critically discussing oVRcome exposure therapy which is currently being used in clinical trials in New Zealand.   

Exposure therapy traditionally involves gradually confronting a fear either through imagination or with real-life objects. The software brings exposure therapy to life in a virtual way with a vast library of real-life VR content. The immersive 360 degree experience has content on 20 common fear triggers including: heights, flying, public speaking, vomiting, birds, spiders and many more.   

Although the Psychology students will not be using the software for their own therapeutic benefit, they will work together to trial the different VR experiences. Using VR headsets and desktop versions they will explore the treatment and critically discuss its use and potential.    

The work is part of a new module, Virtual Reality and Human Behaviour, running for the first time this year. It adopts an experiential learning approach, with students being able to actively engage with VR applications to explore how the technology can be used in psychological research and practice. The experience is also about more than just trying the software; it is about developing a critical mindset towards technological innovation in psychology.   

York St John already conducts VR research in areas such as pain management and soft skills training, but this is the first time students are engaging directly with exposure therapy software. By embedding the technology into teaching, the programme aims to give students insight into where psychological practice may be heading in the future.    

Dr Matthew Coxon, Programme Lead, BSc Psychology, said:   

“The big thing for us is learning by doing, rather than just learning by being told. This software allows our students to experience emerging therapeutic technology first-hand, giving them deeper insight to evaluate how it might be applied in real-world settings.   

“The fact that this software is currently being used in clinical trials in New Zealand means our students are engaging with something at the cutting edge of psychological research. That’s an exciting opportunity for them, and it prepares them to think critically about future innovations they may encounter in their careers.”  

Adam Hutchinson, oVRcome Founder, said:   

“VR technology is increasingly being used in clinical settings and we’re seeing a global rise in demand for what we offer. All of our content is filmed in real environments and delivered in 360 degrees, so the brain responds as if it’s actually there. That level of immersion makes the therapy far more effective.  

“We're excited to partner with York St John University and work with the University’s Psychology students to further explore new areas for this innovative therapy.”  

Read more about studying Psychology at York St John Psychology BSc (Hons) | York St John University.  

With thanks to oVRcome | Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy who are providing the software free of charge for the studies. 

Image shows Dr Matthew Coxon working with a student in a Psychology lab at York St John