Using virtual reality to reduce trauma-related shame in adolescents

The Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Intervention on Trauma-related Shame in Sexually Abused Adolescents: A Single-case Experimental Study

Not applicable Interventional Universiteit Leiden · NCT06384508

This study is testing a virtual reality program called SHINE-VR to see if it can help teenagers aged 12 to 17 who have experienced sexual abuse feel less shame and more self-compassion while they continue their regular therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversiteit Leiden Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Den Haag, Haaglanden and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06384508 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the effectiveness of a virtual reality intervention called SHINE-VR aimed at reducing trauma-related shame in adolescents aged 12 to 17 who have experienced sexual abuse. The intervention focuses on helping participants acknowledge and share their feelings of shame while promoting self-compassion. By integrating virtual reality technology, the study seeks to create a safe environment for participants to confront and process their emotions related to interpersonal trauma. The participants will continue receiving their usual trauma treatment while engaging with the SHINE-VR program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 12 to 17 who have experienced sexual abuse and are seeking treatment for PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients with known mental disabilities or epilepsy may not benefit from this study due to safety and eligibility concerns.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve emotional well-being and treatment outcomes for adolescents suffering from PTSD related to sexual abuse.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in therapeutic settings is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting trauma-related shame is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Between 12 and 17 years old at inclusion
* Interpersonal trauma (sexual abuse); in case of multiple traumas the main trauma should be sexual abuse
* Indication for PTSD treatment
* Getting trauma treatment as usual
* Adequate command of the Dutch language

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known mental disability
* Epilepsy

Where this trial is running

Den Haag, Haaglanden and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Shameshamesexual abusevirtual realityself-compassion
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.