Emotional Processes in VR Exposure Treatment for Flight Phobia

Emotional Processes During a Randomized Controlled Trial of Virtual Reality Exposure Treatment for Flight Phobia

This study will assess emotional processes and their relation to treatment outcomes during Virtual reality exposure therapy for Flight Phobia. The researchers hypothesize treatment outcomes will be associated with positive changes in emotional constructs

Emotional constructs and emotion regulation capacities play a central role in the severity of anxiety disorders and are directly related to treatment outcomes in different anxiety disorders. In this study we will examine the relation between positive and negative affect, emotion regulation, emotional instability, emotional differentiation, experiential avoidance and therapy outcomes in participants undergoing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Flight Phobia. We assume that treatment outcomes will be positively related to changes in the regulation, management and experience of emotions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of Flight phobia based on a structured interview
• possession of a smartphone with an active data plan

Exclusion Criteria:

• cardiovascular disease
• neurological disorders and history of epilepsy
• psychosis
• major depression
• suicidal behavior
• substance abuse.