Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Arachnophobia: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Arachnophobia is a chronic disorder leading to significant avoidance of spider-related situations. This pilot study examines the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) for treating arachnophobia. The study included 25 participants who completed fear questionnaires and avoidance tests before, after and two weeks after the intervention. The intervention consisted of a session of progressive exposure to a novel and gamified virtual environment containing spiders. The results showed a significant reduction in fear and anxiety in relation to the phobic stimulus, suggesting that VRET is a promising approach for treating phobias, in controlled and safe environments.