Virtual Reality-Induced Dissociative Symptoms: A Retrospective Study.
Games Health J
; 11(4): 262-267, 2022 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1937622
ABSTRACT
Objective:
The use of virtual reality (VR) has been increasing worldwide, as devices are becoming more sophisticated and provide an escape from reality during the COVID-19 lockdown. This recent rise in the use of VR leads to new side effects being reported, such as dissociative symptoms that may or may not constitute a mental health concern. This retrospective study investigated the prevalence and intensity of dissociative symptoms in VR users, as well as some potential predisposing conditions that may trigger them, and their impact on the subjects' wellbeing. Materials andMethods:
We conducted a survey (n = 358) that was posted on VR Facebook groups. This survey was approved by the University of Lisbon Medical Faculty's IRB, and comprised a modified version of the Clinician-Administered Dissociative State Scale (CADSS) and questions regarding potential risk factors known to induce dissociative disorders or experiences.Results:
Data analysis revealed that 83.9% participants reported dissociative symptoms, with varying intensity according to CADSS (XÌ=7.62;s=7.89). Significant correlations were found between CADSS score and the time spent playing, the use of software applications (apps) that involve virtual hands or hand tracking, history of previous dissociative experiences, traumatic childhood events, avoidant coping strategies, and psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, most participants categorized the symptoms as nonanxiogenic (85.8%) and minute lasting (77.4%).Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study revealed that although VR can induce dissociative experiences, they seem to be short lasting and nonthreatening to the individual's wellbeing and might be predicted or attenuated by managing other known risk factors for dissociative phenomena.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Video Games
/
Virtual Reality
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Child
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Games Health J
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
G4h.2022.0009
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