Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

REALISM IN RECOVRY: The Effect of Recorded (360°) and Computer Generated (CG) Environments and Humans in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
XR and Metaverse (XR 2023)

Part of the book series: Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics ((SPBE))

Included in the following conference series:

  • 181 Accesses

Abstract

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is used to help patients that suffer from AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) to create coping mechanisms for situations in real life that cause craving, by means of creating virtual environments that feel real and immersive during treatment. However, it is unclear what VR technologies should be used to create these virtual worlds and whether implementing virtual humans in it makes them more efficient. Twenty-eight interviews with (former) AUD patients and UAD-health specialists, reveal that 360o recorded as well as Computer Generated (CG) technologies can be used to create an effective VRET that elicits craving and relaxation based on immersion and presence. The use of 360o technologies seem to create more realism compared to CG, but this differs per patient and situation. Adding virtual humans in VRET increases feelings of craving, although the added value depends on the personal context and past of the patient. As such, it is recommended to create a graded exposure strategy based on both technologies and the option to experience virtual humans that directly or indirectly provide an invitation to drink.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Ahn, S.J., Fox, J.: Immersive virtual environments, avatars, and agents for health. In: Parriott, R. (ed.) Encyclopedia of Health and Risk Message Design and Processing. Oxford University Press. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316488936_Immersive_Virtual_Environments_Avatars_and_Agents_for_Health

  • Ally, A.K., Lovatt, M., Meier, P.S., Brennan, A., Holmes, J.: Developing a social practice-based typology of British drinking culture in 2009–2011: implications for alcohol policy analysis. Addict. 111(9), 1568–1579 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakar, J.A., Salam, S.N., Zulkifli, A.N., Ahmad, M.K., Ruslan, M.Z.: The effect of 3D realism and meaning making: a conceptual model (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  • Berkman, M.I., Akan, E.: Presence and immersion in virtual reality. Encycl. Comput. Graph. Games 1–10 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08234-9_162

  • Bordnick, P.S., et al.: Assessing reactivity to virtual reality alcohol based cues. Addict. Behav. 33(6), 743–756 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borsari, B., Carey, K.B.: Peer influences on college drinking: a review of the research. J. Subst. Abuse 13(4), 391–424 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brivio, E., Serino, S., Negro Cousa, E., Zini, A., Riva, G., De Leo, G.: Virtual reality and 360 panorama technology: a media comparison to study changes in sense of presence, anxiety, and positive emotions. Virtual Real. 25, 303–311 (2021); Buwalda, V.J.A., De Weert-van Oene, G.H., Weber-Sabil, J, van Gisbergen, M.: Preliminary study testing the ReCoVRY Virtual Reality-application as an adjuvant AUD therapy in the inpatient immediate post detoxification phase A new coaching application based on virtual reality exposure. Res. Protocol, Ref. 2019-211-NL69690.029.19 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cho, S., et al.: Development and verification of an alcohol craving-induction tool using virtual reality: craving characteristics in social pressure situation. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 11(3), 302–309 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coyne, R.: Heidegger and virtual reality: the implications of Heidegger’s thinking for computer representations. Leonardo 27(1), 65 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis-Martin, R.E., Alessi, S.M., Boudreaux, E.D.: Alcohol use disorder in the age of technology: a review of wearable biosensors in alcohol use disorder treatment. Front. Psychiatry 12 (2021)

    Google Scholar 

  • Debarba, H.G., Montagud, M., Chagué, S., Herrero, J.G.L., Lacosta, I., Langa, S.F., Charbonnier, C.: Content format and quality of experience in virtual reality. Multimed. Tools Appl. 1–26 (2022)

    Google Scholar 

  • Diemer, J., Zwanzger, P.: Die Entwicklung virtueller Realität als Expositionsverfahren. Nervenarzt 90(7), 715–723 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00115-019-0678-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrell, W.L., Galassi, J.P.: Assertion training and human relations training in the treatment of chronic alcoholics. Int. J. Addict. 16(5), 959–968 (1981)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, S.: Virtual environments, personal simulation and telepresence. Implement. Interact. Real Time Microworlds (1991)

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, D., et al.: Virtual reality in the assessment, understanding, and treatment of mental health disorders. Psychol. Med. 47(14), 2393–2400 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gaggioli, A., Mantovani, F., Castelnuovo, G., Wiederhold, B., Riva, G.: Avatars in clinical psychology: a framework for the clinical use of virtual humans. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 6(2), 117–125 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gatti, E., Massari, R., Sacchelli, C., Lops, T., Gatti, R., Riva, G.: Why do you drink? Virtual reality as an experiential medium for the assessment of alcohol-dependent individuals. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 132, 132–137 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghiţă, A., Gutiérrez-Maldonado, J.: Applications of virtual reality in individuals with alcohol misuse: a systematic review. Addict. Behav. 81, 1–11 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghiţă, A., Teixidor, L., Monras, M., Ortega, L., Mondon, S., Gual, A., Gutiérrez-Maldonado, J.: Identifying triggers of alcohol craving to develop effective virtual environments for cue exposure therapy. Front. Psychol. 10 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hernández-Serrano, O., et al.: Predictors of changes in alcohol craving levels during a virtual reality cue exposure treatment among patients with alcohol use disorder. J. Clin. Med. 9(9), 3018 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higuera-Trujillo, J.L., Maldonado, J.L.T., Millán, C.L.: Psychological and physiological human responses to simulated and real environments: a comparison between photographs, 360 panoramas, and virtual reality. Appl. Ergon. 65, 398–409 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hone-Blanchet, A., Wensing, T., Fecteau, S.: The use of virtual reality in craving assessment and cue-exposure therapy in substance use disorders. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 8(844), 1–15 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyun, S.J., Hyun, H.D., Churl, N., Hoon, L.S., Won, S.J.: Virtual reality therapy decreased metabolism of lentiform nucleus in patients with alcohol dependence: PET study. Eur. Neuropsychopharmacol. 23, 563 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jerald, J.: Scene-Motion- and Latency-Perception Thresholds for Head-Mounted Displays (Doctoral dissertation). University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Department of Computer Science (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  • Junker, A., Hutters, C., Reipur, D., Embol, L., Adjorlu, A., Nordahl, R., Serafin, S., Petersen, D.T., Fink-Jensen, A.: Fighting alcohol craving using virtual reality: the role of social interaction. In: 2021 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW). Published (2021)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kwon, H., Choi, J., Roh, S., Yang, B.H., Lee, J.H.: Application of virtual reality-cue exposure therapy for reducing alcohol craving. Annu. Rev. Cyberther. Telemed. 4, 161–166 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  • LaValle, S.M.: Virtual Reality. University of Illinois, Cambridge University Press (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebiecka, Z., Skoneczny, T., Tyburski, E., Samochowiec, J., Kucharska-Mazur, J.: Is virtual reality cue exposure a promising adjunctive treatment for alcohol use disorder? J. Clin. Med. 10(13), 2972 (2021)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J.H., Kwon, H., Choi, J., Yang, B.-H.: Cue-exposure therapy to decrease alcohol craving in virtual environment. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 10(5), 617–623 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J.S., et al.: Social pressure-induced craving in patients with alcohol dependence: application of virtual reality to coping skill training. Psychiatry Investig. 5(4), 239–243 (2008). https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2008.5.4.239

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S.H., et al.: Quantitative electroencephalographic (qEEG) correlates of craving during virtual reality therapy in alcoholdependent patients. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 91(3), 393–397 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loeber, S., Croissant, B., Heinz, A., Mann, K., Flor, H.: Cue exposure in the treatment of alcohol dependence: effects on drinking outcome, craving and self-efficacy. Br. J. Clin. Psychol. 45, 515–529 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maples-Keller, J.L., Bunnell, B.E., Kim, S.J., Rothbaum, B.O.: The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Harv. Rev. Psychiatry 25(3), 103–113 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mantovani, G.: New Communications Environments: From Everyday to Virtual, 1st edn. CRC Press (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mellentin, A.I., et al.: Cue exposure therapy for the treatment of alcohol use disorders: a meta-analytic review. Clin. Psychol. Rev. 57, 195–207 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Monti, P.M., et al.: Cue exposure with coping skills treatment for male alcoholics: a preliminary investigation. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 61(6), 1011–1019 (1993)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mori, M., MacDorman, K.F., Kageki, N.: The uncanny valley. IEEE Robot. Autom. 19(2), 98–100 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morris, H., Larsen, J., Catterall, E., Moss, A.C., Dombrowski, S.U.: Peer pressure and alcohol consumption in adults living in the UK: a systematic qualitative review. BMC Public Health 20, 1–13 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Navarro, H.J., Doran, C.M., Shakeshaft, A.P.: Measuring costs of alcohol harm to others: a review of the literature. Drug Alcohol Depend. (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ritter, K.A., III., Chambers, T.L.: Three-dimensional modeled environments versus 360 degree panoramas for mobile virtual reality training. Virtual Real. 26(2), 571–581 (2022)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reimink, A., De Weert-van Oene, G.H., Buwalda, V.J.A.: High-risk situations for relapse to alcohol dependence, based on self-reported craving and self-efficacy (Research report). Faculteit Geneeskunde Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  • Riva, G., Banos, R.M., Botella, C., Wiederhold, B.K., Gaggioli, A.: Positive technology: using interactive technologies to promote positive functioning. Cyberpsychol. Behav. Soc. Netw. 15(2), 69–77 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, T.E., Berridge, K.C.: The incentive sensitization theory of addiction: some current issues. Philos. Trans. Roy. Soc. B: Biol. Sci. 363(1507), 3137–3146 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rohsenow, D.J., et al.: Cue exposure with coping skills training and communication skills training alcohol dependence: 6-and 12-month outcomes. Addiction 96(8), 1161–1174 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, J.J., Kreiner, D.S., Chapman, M.D., Stark-Wroblewski, K.: Virtual reality cues for binge drinking in college students. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 13(2), 159–162 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shield, K.D., Kehoe, T., Gmel, G., Rehm, M.X., Rehm, J.: Societal burden of alcohol. In: Anderson, P., Møller, L., Galea, G. (eds.) Alcohol in the European Union: Consumption, Harm and Policy Approaches, pp. 10–28. World Health Organization, Copenhagen (2012). http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/160680/e96457.pdf

  • Sinha, R., Fox, H.C., Hong, K.A., Bergquist, K., Bhagwagar, Z., Siedlarz, K.M.: Enhanced negative emotion and alcohol craving, and altered physiological responses following stress and cue exposure in alcohol dependent individuals. Neuropsychopharmacology 34(5), 1198–1208 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simon, J., Etienne, A. M., Bouchard, S., Quertemont, E.: Alcohol Craving in heavy and occasional alcohol drinkers after cue exposure in a virtual environment: the role of the sense of presence. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 14 (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  • Snelleman, M., Schoenmakers, T.M., van de Mheen, D.: Relapse and craving in alcohol-dependent individuals: a comparison of self-reported determinants. Subst. Use Misuse. England 1, 1–9 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  • Son, J.H., et al.: Virtual reality therapy for the treatment of alcohol dependence: a preliminary investigation with positron emission tomography/computerized tomography. J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 76(4), 620–627 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spagnoli, G., Gatti, E., Massari, R., Sacchelli, C., Riva, G.: Can virtual reality be useful to assess subjects with alcohol dependency? development of a new assessment protocol for patients with alcoholism. Eur. Int. J. Sci. Technol. 3(1), 82–94 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  • Stupar-Rutenfrans, S., Ketelaars, L.E.H., van Gisbergen, M.: Beat the fear of public speaking: mobile 360° video virtual reality exposure training in home environment reduces public speaking anxiety. Cyberpsychol. Behav. Soc. Netw. 20(10), 624–633 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiffany, S.T.: Cognitive concepts of craving. Alcohol Res. Health 23(3), 215–224 (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Gisbergen, M.S.: Contextual connected media: how rearranging a media puzzle. NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences, Brings Virtual Reality into Being (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Gisbergen, M., Kovacs, M., Campos, F., van der Heeft, M., Vugts, V.: What we don’t know. The effect of realism in virtual reality on experience and behaviour. Augment Real Virtual Real 45–57 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkatesh, V., Davis, F.D.: A theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model: four longitudinal case studies. Manage. Sci. 46(2), 186–204 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Villani, D., Cipresso, P., Gaggioli, A., Riva, G. (2016). Preface. In: Villani, D., Cipresso, P., Gaggioli, A., Riva, G. (eds.) Integrating technology in positive psychology practice, pp. xviii–xxv. Information Science Reference, Hershey, Pennsylvania

    Google Scholar 

  • Wisselink, D.J., Kuipers, W.G.T., Mol, A.: LADIS. Key figures addiction care. Houten: IVZ (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yeo, N., et al.: What is the best way of delivering virtual nature for improving mood? an experimental comparison of high definition TV, 360° video, and computer generated virtual reality. J. Environ. Psychol. 72, 101500 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zywiak, W.H., Stout, R.L., Longabaugh, R., Dyck, I., Connors, G.J., Maisto, S.A.: Relapse-onset factors in project MATCH: the relapse questionnaire. J. Subst. Abuse Treat. 31(4), 341–345 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors want to thank Rogier Eijsink, Paul Robben (Novadic-Kentron) and Hendrik Hartevelt (foundation Het Zwarte Gat) for their valuable help during the research, the cradle team (BUas) for the technical development and RAAK SIA for financial support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. BUAS - Breda University of Applied Sciences, Breda, The Netherlands

    Marnix S. van Gisbergen, Klara Obermair, Laura Iasonna, Miruna Doicaru, Shima R. Rashnoodi & Fabio Campos

  2. Novadic-Kentron, Vught, The Netherlands

    Victor J. A. Buwalda

Authors
  1. Marnix S. van Gisbergen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Klara Obermair
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Laura Iasonna
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Miruna Doicaru
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Shima R. Rashnoodi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Fabio Campos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Victor J. A. Buwalda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marnix S. van Gisbergen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Creative AR and VR Hub, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK

    M. Claudia tom Dieck

  2. Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK

    Timothy Jung

  3. Dept. of Hospitality, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA

    Yen-Soon Kim

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

van Gisbergen, M.S. et al. (2024). REALISM IN RECOVRY: The Effect of Recorded (360°) and Computer Generated (CG) Environments and Humans in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET). In: tom Dieck, M.C., Jung, T., Kim, YS. (eds) XR and Metaverse. XR 2023. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50559-1_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation