EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPUTER-GENERATED (VIRTUAL-REALITY) GRADED EXPOSURE IN THE TREATMENT OF ACROPHOBIA

Objective: The authors' goal was to examine the efficacy of computer-generated (virtual reality) graded exposure in the treatment of acrophobia (fear of heights). Method: Twenty college students with acrophobia were randomly assigned to virtual reality graded exposure treatment (N=12) or to a waiting-list comparison group (N=8). Seventeen students completed the study. Sessions were conducted individually over 8 weeks. Outcome was assessed by using measures of anxiety, avoidance, attitudes, and distress associated with exposure to heights before and after treatment. Results: Significant differences between the students who completed the virtual reality treatment (N=10) and those on the waiting list (N=7) were found on all measures. The treatment group was significantly improved after 8 weeks, but the comparison group was unchanged. Conclusions: The authors conclude that treatment with virtual reality graded exposure was successful in reducing fear of heights.