VR-Based Behavioral Activation in Adults

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality-based behavioral activation intervention on reducing depression symptoms. Considering that depression negatively affects the daily functionality of individuals, an interactive behavioral activation intervention was developed in a virtual reality environment and the effectiveness of this intervention was tested. A randomized controlled experimental design was used in the study. The sample consisted of 50 participants with moderate to high levels of depression (experimental group = 25, control group = 25). The experimental group received a behavioral activation intervention in a virtual reality environment for 4 weeks, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. The intervention was delivered through virtual reality goggles in the morning. In the virtual reality environment, participants simulated their morning routines, such as waking up, tidying the room, preparing breakfast, and getting dressed. Sociodemographic Information Form, Behavioral Inhibition System and Behavioral Activation System Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Presence Questionnaire, Virtual Reality Application Observation Form and Semi-Structured Interview Form for Virtual Reality Applications were used in the data collection process. In the data analysis phase, Mixed Design Repeated Measures ANOVA was planned for behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition variables, and F1-LD-F1 design analysis was planned for depression and emotion regulation variables.