Impact of Repeated Virtual Reality Training on Markers of Stress

Impact of Repeated Virtual Reality Based Law Enforcement Training on Stress Reactivity and Tactical Decision Making

The purpose of this study is to examine whether repeated exposure to an active shooter or target practice virtual reality (VR) scenario alters physiological and psychological stress responses over time. Specifically, this study will determine whether the pattern and magnitude of stress habituation differ between the two VR conditions.

This study examines the effects of repeated virtual reality (VR) exposure on physiological and psychological stress responses by comparing an active shooter scenario with a target practice scenario. Repeated exposure to a stressor may result in changes in physiological and psychological responses over time, a process known as stress habituation. Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine whether repeated exposure to these two VR scenarios results in different patterns of stress habituation. Heart rate, salivary stress biomarkers, and self-reported anxiety will be assessed across repeated VR exposures to evaluate changes in stress responses over time. The findings from this research may provide insight into how stress responses change with repeated exposure to different types of VR scenarios and may inform the development of training approaches for individuals in high-stress occupations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Generally healthy
• Between the ages of 18-39
• Student at texas state

Exclusion Criteria:

• No known cardiovascular or metabolic diseases
• Free from a major stressor in the last 30 days (recent divorce, birth of child, miscarriage, etc.)
• Not currently taking medication that can impact results (e.g., psychiatric medication typically prescribed for psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc.)
• Must also be free from any known psychiatric or physical illness (e.g., diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, alcoholism, epilepsy, severe motion sickness, etc.).