Repeated Exposure of flight phobics to flights in virtual reality

Mühlberger, A., Herrmann, M. J., Wiedemann, G., Ellgring, H., & Pauli, P.
In: Behaviour Research and Therapy.  (in press).

Abstract: The present study examined the effects of repeated exposure of flight phobics to flights in virtual reality (VR). Flight phobics were randomly assigned either to complete six VR exposure flights (VR group; N=15) or to complete one VR flight followed by a relaxation training and a second VR flight at the end of the session (relaxation group; N=15). Fear reports and physiological fear reactions (heart rate, skin conductance level) during VR exposures were registered, and fear of flying was assessed psychometrically from three weeks before to three month after exposure to VR flights. Exposure to VR flights elicited subjective and physiological fear responses in flight phobics, and these responses habituated within and across VR flights. Fear reduction associated with repeated VR exposure was greater than fear reduction caused by relaxation training. Fear of flying improved in both treatment groups, but several outcome measures indicated greater effects in the VR group compared to the relaxation group. These findings indicate that exposure in virtual reality offers a new and promising approach for the treatment of fear of flying.