Virtual Reality and Fear of Shark Attack: A Case Study for the Treatment of Squalophobia - Aix-Marseille Université Access content directly
Journal Articles Clinical Case Studies Year : 2020

Virtual Reality and Fear of Shark Attack: A Case Study for the Treatment of Squalophobia

Eric Malbos
  • Function : Author
George Burgess
  • Function : Author
Christophe Lançon
  • Function : Author

Abstract

Research treatment protocols are rare regarding an unusual anxiety disorder, namely the fear of sharks (squalophobia). As a possible solution, the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy for this phobia was tested. The advantage of using VR becomes clearer when a real life set up is impractical, such as exposing a phobic patient to a feared large marine organism, the shark. The effects were evaluated in a single case study involving multiple context-graded aquatic virtual environments with a virtual shark and using affordable VR apparatus and software. Assessment was based on self-report questionnaires. Scores the psychometric instruments exhibited a discernable reduction in fear toward sharks. Such gains were maintained at a 12-month follow-up. Presence rates indicated immersion when confronted to a three-dimensional (3D) virtual shark. This initial study revealed the potential of VR for the treatment of marine biota phobia and its potential to recreate diverse situations for exposure therapy.
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Dates and versions

hal-03222797 , version 1 (10-05-2021)

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Eric Malbos, George Burgess, Christophe Lançon. Virtual Reality and Fear of Shark Attack: A Case Study for the Treatment of Squalophobia. Clinical Case Studies, 2020, 19 (5), pp.339-354. ⟨10.1177/1534650120940014⟩. ⟨hal-03222797⟩
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