This pragmatic trial aims to evaluate whether a weekly self-help virtual reality protocol can help overcome the psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. The protocol is based on 'The Secret Garden' 360° VR video available online (www.covidfeelgood.com) which simulates a natural environment to promote relaxation and self-reflection. The VR experience is combined with daily cognitive and social exercises designed to facilitate critical examination of personal identity, relationships, and coping strategies. The study assesses whether this intervention can reduce anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and hopelessness while improving well-being and social connectedness during pandemic-related restrictions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
36
The intervention consists of a 7-day self-help protocol based on daily exposure to 'The Secret Garden' 360° VR video (10 minutes per day) available at www.covidfeelgood.com, combined with different daily cognitive and social exercises. Participants use a smartphone with VR headset compatible with the Cardboard format. Each day's exercise addresses different psychological aspects: fighting rumination, awakening self-esteem, autobiographical memory, sense of community, goals and dreams, empathy, and planning for change. Exercises are designed to be performed individually and then discussed with a partner.
Participants in the control group initially undergo a 7-day waiting period before receiving the VR self-help protocol. During this period, they complete the same baseline assessments as the experimental group but do not receive any specific intervention.
IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Change in depression, anxiety, and stress levels as measured by Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21)
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) is a self-report questionnaire consisting of 21 items divided into three subscales that measure depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. Each subscale can be computed individually or added together into a score for general distress. Higher scores indicate greater symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. The scale will be used to assess changes in psychological distress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic before and after the VR self-help intervention.
Time frame: Baseline (Day -7 and Day 0), Post-intervention (Day 7), and 2-week Follow-up (Day 21)
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
A scale measuring subjective perception of stress during the past week
Time frame: Baseline (Day -7 and Day 0), Post-intervention (Day 7), and Follow-up (Day 21)
Change in hopelessness levels
A scale measuring pessimistic attitudes toward the future
Time frame: Baseline (Day -7 and Day 0), Post-intervention (Day 7), and Follow-up (Day 21)
Change in social connectedness
A scale measuring sense of connection to others and to the social context
Time frame: Baseline (Day -7 and Day 0), Post-intervention (Day 7), and 2-week Follow-up (Day 21)
Change in fear of coronavirus
A scale measuring level of fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Time frame: Baseline (Day -7 and Day 0), Post-intervention (Day 7), and Follow-up (Day 21)
Change in relaxation levels during intervention
A scale measuring relaxation and perceived stress during the intervention
Time frame: Daily during intervention (Days 1-7)
Change in subjective distress during intervention
A scale measuring level of perceived distress
Time frame: Daily during intervention (Days 1-7)
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