The current proposal aims to evaluate a novel virtual-reality-based (VR-B) video game treatment for emotional dysregulation for youth currently under the supervision of the juvenile justice system. 135 participants under the age of 17 will be enrolled and will be asked to complete up to 6 VR-B sessions.
The goal of this proposal is to determine the feasibility of a novel virtual-reality-based biofeedback (VR-B) treatment among youth highly vulnerable to difficulties in emotional regulation. Biofeedback, which involves the provision of real-time information about physiology, is a well-studied approach to enhancing self-regulatory ability, with potential promise for alleviating mental health problems. In children (as well as adults), biofeedback may be ideally facilitated through video game environments, which offer engaging, immersive, yet dynamic environments that can be changed in real-time. Video games are enormously popular with youth, and may represent an important avenue for treatment in adolescent populations. The current proposal aims to evaluate a novel virtual-reality-based video game treatment for emotional dysregulation for youth currently under the supervision of the juvenile justice system. Exposure to risk factors known to promote impaired self-regulation, such as child mal-treatment, is nearly endemic in this population. Indeed, 'delinquent' youth (i.e., youth in contact with the justice system) are considerably more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for a range of disorders centrally involving dysregulation of affect or arousal, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, and many others. Specific Aims: * AIM 1: Evaluate the feasibility of a virtual reality treatment for youth * Hypothesis 1: Study youth receiving treatment with the virtual reality-based paradigm will qualitatively report the experience to be tolerable and positive with minimal discomfort. * AIM 2: Identify potential changes in physiological signaling (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance) across treatment sessions * Hypothesis 2: Youth receiving virtual reality biofeedback (VRB) treatment will exhibit physiological changes across sessions (e.g., increased heart rate variability or changes in skin conductance responses). * AIM 3: Identify potential changes in symptom severity across treatment sessions * Hypothesis 3: Youth receiving virtual reality biofeedback (VRB) treatment will show greater improvements in youth emotion regulation and reduced severity of PTSD mental health symptoms.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
74
DEEP VR is a virtual reality experience (i.e., video game using a head-mounted display) wherein participants ('players') traverse through a serene underwater adventure for approximately 15 min. Movement through the environment is facilitates through the cued use of regularized, diaphragmatic breathing, captured through a respiratory belt.
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Feasibility: Number of Participants who Enjoyed VR simulation experience: Determined via Qualitative Survey
Time frame: up to 8 weeks
Mean Change in Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS)
The DERS is a 36-item child-report survey measuring difficulties with emotion regulation. Respondents report the degree to which the given statement applied to them on a five point Likert scale: 1 = Almost Never to 5 = Always, with a possible total score range of 36 - 180. Higher scores indicate greater difficulties with emotion regulation.
Time frame: Baseline and after each session completed for up to 6 study visits, up to 4 weeks
Physiological Arousal Measured by Change in Heart Rate
Participants will have electrodes affixed to their abdomen to measure heart rate. Before every session, baseline levels of physiological arousal will be captured over a 5 minute resting period. Participants will be asked to sit quietly within a serene virtual outdoor scene followed by a 15 minute DEEP VR experience containing several task conditions.
Time frame: Change measured throughout the 15 minute VR session at baseline and before and after each task condition, for up to 6 sessions (up to 6 weeks on study)
Physiological Arousal Measured by Change in Galvanic Skin Response
Participants will have electrodes affixed to their fingers to measure skin response. Before every session, baseline levels of physiological arousal will be captured over a 5 minute resting period. Participants will be asked to sit quietly within a serene virtual outdoor scene followed by a 15 minute DEEP VR experience containing several task conditions.
Time frame: Change measured throughout the 15 minute VR session at baseline and before and after each task condition, for up to 6 sessions (up to 6 weeks on study)
Mean Change in Virtual-Reality Biofeedback Engagement Survey (VR-B)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The VR-B is a 10-item child-report survey measuring engagement with the virtual-reality biofeedback intervention. Respondents select the degree to which they agree with each statement along a Likert scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree to 7 = Strongly Agree, with a possible total score range of 10 - 70. Higher scores indicate greater engagement with the VR-B intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and up to 4 weeks
Mean Change in Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS)
Assesses lifetime trauma experiences and severity of PTSD symptom severity in a 20-item survey scored on a 5-point likert scale from 0 'not at all' to 4 'almost always' for a total range of scores between 0 - 80, where higher scores indicate increased PTSD symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline and after each session completed for up to 6 study visits, up to 4 weeks