Evaluating the effects of a virtual reality relaxation intervention for inpatients in forensic psychiatry: a multicenter clinical trial.

People hospitalized in forensic psychiatry require specialized care due to the complexity of their clinical profile. The risk of violent behaviour and the context of captive care bring challenges to the treatment. Virtual reality is one way of addressing these issues. Several applications have been developed and studied in mental health, notably to facilitate relaxation. It is well known that stress can contribute to violence, and that patients in detention are likely to experience distress. Yet no studies have been carried out specifically on virtual reality relaxation intervention for this clientele. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality relaxation intervention (VRelax) for people hospitalized on forensic psychiatry units. Specifically, we aim to determine whether the intervention can have a positive impact on distress, relaxation and coping skills. To achieve this, we will conduct a clinical trial involving patients (n = 81) hospitalized in two similar institutions in Sweden and Canada. The results of this project will contribute to our limited knowledge of the most effective treatments for forensic psychiatry patients. Virtual reality relaxation interventions could represent a low-intensity, resource-efficient intervention to improve the well-being of forensic psychiatric patients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mathieu Dumont

Student:

Partner:

Lund University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Program: