Using virtual reality to prevent violence among college students
Official title: SBIR, Innovative Immersive Technologies for Evidence-Based Violence Prevention among College Students
Funded at National Health Promotion Associates · NIH-10699396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating fun virtual reality experiences to help college students learn how to handle conflicts and build strong personal skills to prevent violence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Health Promotion Associates NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White Plains, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $615,917 |
| NIH project number | 2R44CE003173-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10699396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are college students who are interested in learning skills to prevent violence and enhance their personal safety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not college students or those who do not engage with virtual reality technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops and tests innovative virtual reality (VR) modules aimed at preventing violence among college students. The VR modules will enhance an existing evidence-based violence prevention program that has been successful in previous studies. By focusing on building personal and social skills, the program seeks to empower students to manage their behaviors and navigate challenges effectively. Participants will engage with immersive scenarios designed to teach resilience and conflict resolution skills.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce incidents of violence and improve the overall safety and well-being of college students.
How similar studies have gone: Previous adaptations of the underlying prevention program have shown success in reducing violence and substance abuse among various youth populations.
Where this research is happening
-
National Health Promotion Associates
White Plains, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Christopher — National Health Promotion Associates
- Study coordinator: Williams, Christopher
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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.