Virtual Reality and Fear of Shark Attack: A Case Study for the Treatment of Squalophobia. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malbos, Eric; Burgess, George H.; Lançon, Christophe
• Is Part Of: Clinical case studies. Volume 19:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 339
• Page End: 354
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: virtual reality -- phobia -- shark -- anxiety disorders -- cognitive behavioral therapy; Psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Marital psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.89140722
• DOI: 10.1177/1534650120940014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-6501

Abstract

Research treatment protocols are rare regarding an unusual anxiety disorder, namely the fear of sharks (squalophobia). As a possible solution, the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy for this phobia was tested. The advantage of using VR becomes clearer when a real life set up is impractical, such as exposing a phobic patient to a feared large marine organism, the shark. The effects were evaluated in a single case study involving multiple context-graded aquatic virtual environments with a virtual shark and using affordable VR apparatus and software. Assessment was based on self-report questionnaires. Scores the psychometric instruments exhibited a discernable reduction in fear toward sharks. Such gains were maintained at a 12-month follow-up. Presence rates indicated immersion when confronted to a three-dimensional (3D) virtual shark. This initial study revealed the potential of VR for the treatment of marine biota phobia and its potential to recreate diverse situations for exposure therapy.