VR-Based Behavioral Activation in Adults

Summary

Study Overview This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed Virtual Reality (VR) behavioral activation software program for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression. Behavioral activation is a well-established psychological approach that helps individuals re-engage in positive, rewarding activities to reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood. By translating this approach into an immersive VR environment using hand-tracking technology, the study explores whether technology-enhanced interventions can make therapy more accessible, engaging, and effective. What the Study InvolvesParticipants in this study are randomly assigned to one of two groups:VR Behavioral Activation Group (Intervention): Participants in this group receive a structured behavioral activation program delivered entirely within a customized virtual reality environment. Using advanced hand-tracking technology instead of traditional controllers, participants interact naturally with the virtual world to complete rewarding tasks and activities designed to boost engagement and mood. Waitlist Control Group: Participants in this group do not receive the VR intervention during the active study period, serving as a comparison baseline to accurately measure the specific effects of the VR software. However, to ensure ethical standards and support all participants, individuals in this group receive psychological education (psychoeducation) after the data collection phase is fully completed. Research Goals The primary goal is to determine if the VR-focused behavioral activation program successfully reduces depression severity and enhances overall behavioral activation levels compared to the control group. Additionally, researchers will evaluate how the intervention influences the body's behavioral approach and inhibition systems, providing insights into the underlying psychological mechanisms of VR-driven therapy.

Conditions

• Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
• Behavioral Activation
• Virtual Reality Therapy
• Behavioral Inhibition

Interventions

DEVICE

Virtual Reality Behavioral Activation Software

A customized virtual reality (VR) software application developed for Meta Quest hardware, utilizing hand-tracking technology. The software delivers a structured behavioral activation program designed to treat depressive symptoms by engaging participants in immersive, therapeutic activities.

BEHAVIORAL

Waitlist Control and Psychoeducation

Participants remain on a waitlist during the active implementation phase to serve as a control group. Upon completion of all post-test data collection, they receive a comprehensive psychological education (psychoeducation) program to ensure ethical treatment standards.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• KTO Karatay University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Mehmet Şakiroğlu, Assoc. Prof. · Aydin Adnan Menderes University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-12-10

Primary Completion

2025-09-22

Completion

2025-11-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations