| Popis: |
The underlying working mechanisms during virtual reality exposure (VRE) remain largely unexplored. In line with predominant theories on exposure, the current study examines (changes in) fearful expectancies and habituation as potential mechanisms driving the effects of VRE. A sample with elevated levels of fear of spiders participates in a VRE intervention. Before and after the VRE intervention, and during follow-up (after 3 months), their fear of spiders is measured with the Fear of Spiders Questionnaire and a behavioral approach task (number of steps, SUDS, skin-conductance and heart rate). In addition, before and after the VRE intervention, participants rate different fearful expectancies regarding spiders and their own reactions to spiders. After the VRE intervention, they are also asked to what extent they had certain expectancies during the VRE session. During the VRE exercises, we measure skin conductance and heart rate as indices of habituation within some of the exercises and across the session. We test whether indices of expectancy change and habituation predict VRE effects. The data reported here are collected as part of a larger project on predictors of exposure treatment and only data and procedural aspects relevant to the current research questions will be reported. |
