Virtual Forest to Reduce Social Anxiety

We aim to evaluate a virtual reality (VR) application and refine another VR prototype design to reduce social anxiety. The first application is a virtual forest where users can navigate through a calming forest and engage in activities like guided meditation and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) exercises. We will evaluate the usability of this application in Japan, to help us understand the different cultural impacts on usability. The second prototype is built on the same virtual forest, instead of providing meditation and CBT-related exercises, we will use VR exposure therapy, letting users face anxiety-provoking situations and develop coping strategies. We aim to collaborate with Japanese researchers to enhance the user experience of interacting with the virtual characters. The expected outcome is a powerful tool for mental health, providing timely and accessible support for those struggling with social anxiety. Our goal is to bridge the treatment gap, ensuring that effective interventions reach individuals sooner and enhance their overall well-being.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Chignell

Student:

Partner:

Tokyo Institute of Technology

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: