A Virtual Reality–Based Psychological Treatment in Long-Term Hospitalization: A Case Study. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gómez, Inmaculada; Flujas-Contreras, Juan M.; Ruiz-Castañeda, Dyanne; Castilla, Diana
• Is Part Of: Clinical case studies. Volume 18:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: adolescent -- case study -- clinical health psychology -- chronic illness -- hospitalization -- virtual reality; Psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Marital psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.89140722
• DOI: 10.1177/1534650118799196
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-6501

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide preliminary efficacy of a psychological intervention for children and young patients to help them to improve resilience, coping strategies for pain, anxiety, and general emotional discomfort in long-term hospitalization using a virtual reality videogame and telepsychology. A case study illustration in an adolescent was 15-year-old Spanish boy hospitalized in the pediatric ward and prescribed dialysis is presented to provide some clinical evidence of the treatment's strategic feasibility and efficacy for this population. Patient was pre, post, and follow-up assessed anxiety, affective, resilience, and avoidance. Space Academy is a virtual reality–based treatment with positive psychology and third-wave therapy components that consist in understanding the basic aspects of their disease, to promote emotional perception and regulation and promote and develop resilience. Results show good acceptability and feasibility, improved state and trait anxiety, resilience, and emotional competence in controlling behavior. The case illustration shows improvements in anxiety resilience and acceptance. The use of information and communication technologies in psychology is an advance in clinical and health care psychology.