Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Specific Phobia in Children: A Pilot Study Exploring Fear of Heights

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure as an active treatment component is a first-line, evidence-based intervention for anxiety disorders. Virtual reality (VR) presents potential advantages for psychologists treating anxiety disorders in children with the prospect of optimizing exposure-based treatments. This pilot study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of VR exposure therapy for children with specific phobias, focusing on acrophobia (fear of heights). We examined the system’s usability and the likelihood of its adoption by children and clinicians. Participants included six children aged 9 to 15 and three clinicians. The children were exposed to a computerized VR environment - the Richie’s Plank Experience. Data were gathered through interviews with both children and clinicians focusing on user experience. Results indicated that all children experienced heightened anxiety during the VR simulation, as expected in an exposure situation, but willingly used the VR headset, engaged with the environment, and tolerated the exposure well. Clinicians reported a favorable view of integrating VR exposure into therapeutic protocols for anxiety disorders. Further research is necessary to validate the effectiveness and explore the broader applicability of VR exposure therapy for treating specific phobias in children.