The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a VR intervention on (1) stigma, (2) empathy and (3) attitudes towards those experiencing mental disorders. Participants will review a VR intervention, and complete questionnaires at pre-test, post-test and one month follow-up. Researchers will compare the VR intervention with a control VR intervention to evaluate the varying effects on stigma, empathy and attitudes towards those experiencing mental disorders.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
180
VR intervention of no more than 7 minutes Participants viewed the home as a first person character and experience psychotic phenomena including auditory hallucinations.
VR intervention of no more than 7 minutes Participants viewed the same home as a first person character without psychotic phenomena
Institute of Mental Health
Singapore, Singapore
RECRUITINGDesire for Social Distance
Desire for Social Distance Scale The eight questions are rated on a four-point Likert scale: yes, definitely (0), yes, probably (1), probably not (2) and definitely not (3) with greater scores implying greater desire for social distancing.
Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, follow-up at 1 month after intervention
Personal Stigma
Personal Stigma Scale Personal Stigma Scale consisted of two subscales: 'Personal unpredictable/ dangerousness' and 'Personal weak not sick' The questions were calculated as 'strongly agree' (4) to 'strongly disagree' (0), with greater scores implying greater stigmatizing attitudes.
Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, follow-up at 1 month after intervention
Empathy
Empathetic concern sub-scale of Interpersonal Reactivity Index The 7-item sub-scale is measured on a five point likert scale ranging from 'does not describe me well' (0) to 'describes me very well' (4).
Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, follow-up at 1 month after intervention
Attitudes towards those experiencing mental disorders
modified Attitudes Towards People with Schizophrenia scale The 7-item scale is measured on a nine point likert scale ranging from (1) to (9). Greater scores equate better attitude towards people with schizophrenia.
Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, follow-up at 1 month after intervention
Demographic data
occupation, gender, marital status, ethnic groups, age, years of service
Time frame: pre-intervention
Acceptability of the intervention
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Authors constructed questionnaire to assess for acceptability of intervention. A total of 10 questions consisting of 6 multiple choice questions ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree on a 7-point likert scale. An example of one question is, 'I find the intervention engaging'. It also consists of 4 open ended questions. Example of one question is, 'Please list the strength of the intervention'
Time frame: immediately after the intervention
Safety of VR intervention
Visually induced motion sickness susceptibility questionnaire: It consists of six questions that evaluates presence of adverse effects from using the VR intervention from 'never' (0) to 'often' (3).
Time frame: immediately after the intervention