Preventing youth vaping using virtual reality technology
Youth Vaping Prevention through Immersive Technology
This study is testing a fun virtual reality game called E-Invite Only VR that helps middle school students learn how to manage their emotions better, with the goal of preventing them from using e-cigarettes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing e-cigarette use among adolescents by addressing the role of mental health, specifically emotion regulation. It involves a multi-site trial of a virtual reality-based video game called E-Invite Only VR, designed to teach emotion regulation skills and promote healthy behaviors. The program is developed in collaboration with schools and aims to be implemented in middle school classrooms, where initial pilot studies have shown promising results. By integrating behavioral theories, this innovative approach seeks to create a more effective prevention strategy for youth vaping.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are middle school students, particularly those in 8th grade, who may be at risk for e-cigarette use.
Not a fit: Patients who are not in the middle school age range or those who do not engage with virtual reality technology may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce e-cigarette use among adolescents by enhancing their emotional regulation skills.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar virtual reality interventions in educational settings, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hieftje, Kimberly D — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hieftje, Kimberly D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.