COVID Feel Good-An Easy Self-Help Virtual Reality Protocol to Overcome the Psychological Burden of Coronavirus

Summary

This pragmatic trial aims to evaluate whether a weekly self-help virtual reality protocol can help overcome the psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. The protocol is based on 'The Secret Garden' 360° VR video available online (www.covidfeelgood.com) which simulates a natural environment to promote relaxation and self-reflection. The VR experience is combined with daily cognitive and social exercises designed to facilitate critical examination of personal identity, relationships, and coping strategies. The study assesses whether this intervention can reduce anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and hopelessness while improving well-being and social connectedness during pandemic-related restrictions.

Conditions

• COVID-19 Pandemic Psychological Impact
• Stress
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Social Isolation

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

COVID Feel Good VR Self-Help Protocol

The intervention consists of a 7-day self-help protocol based on daily exposure to 'The Secret Garden' 360° VR video (10 minutes per day) available at www.covidfeelgood.com, combined with different daily cognitive and social exercises. Participants use a smartphone with VR headset compatible with the Cardboard format. Each day's exercise addresses different psychological aspects: fighting rumination, awakening self-esteem, autobiographical memory, sense of community, goals and dreams, empathy, and planning for change. Exercises are designed to be performed individually and then discussed with a partner.

OTHER

Waiting Period

Participants in the control group initially undergo a 7-day waiting period before receiving the VR self-help protocol. During this period, they complete the same baseline assessments as the experimental group but do not receive any specific intervention.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Clemson University (Virtual Reality and Nature Lab)

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Barcelona

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Tsukuba

  collaborator OTHER

• Konkuk University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Bergen

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Liege

  collaborator OTHER

• Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

  collaborator OTHER

• Istituto Auxologico Italiano

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-04-01

Primary Completion

2021-10-01

Completion

2021-12-31

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations