Virtual reality schema therapy exercises with parent and child modes
VR-STEM: Virtual Reality Schema Therapy Exercises With Parent and Child Modes
NA · University Medical Center Groningen · NCT07373223
This study tests whether virtual-reality dialogue exercises using parent and child avatars are feasible and helpful for adults (18–65) with psychiatric symptoms linked to early-life experiences.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Groningen, Provincie Groningen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07373223 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will develop a virtual-reality version of a schema therapy chairwork exercise and have adults in treatment at a tertiary centre complete VR sessions using parent and child mode avatars. They will measure feasibility and acceptability using the Technology Acceptance Model and collect participants' reports of immersion, emotions, therapeutic relationship and subjective effectiveness. Standard measures of schema modes, self-criticism, self-compassion and self-esteem will be collected to look for potential therapeutic effects. The study will also test whether individual differences in mental imagery ability change how people respond to the VR exercises.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 who are in treatment at the tertiary centre, whose current distress relates to early-life experiences, and who score >3 on at least one schema mode on the SMI are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with a primary substance use disorder, organic brain disease (e.g., dementia), insufficient Dutch language skills, or who cannot give informed consent are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a more immersive, experiential way to practice schema therapy techniques that may increase self-compassion and reduce self-criticism for some patients.
How similar studies have performed: Virtual reality has shown promising feasibility and clinical effects in other psychotherapies (for example in exposure-based treatments), but applying VR specifically to schema therapy chairwork is novel and has limited prior data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-65 years of age * In treatment at a tertiary treatment facility (UCP, UMCG) * Whose current psychological distress is related to early life experiences as indicated by a clinician * Score of \>3 on one of three schema modes on the SMI (Lobbestael et al., 2010) Exclusion Criteria: * Insufficient command of the Dutch language * Primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder, or organic brain disease (such as dementia) * Unable to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Groningen, Provincie Groningen
- University Medical Centre Groningen — Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elise C. D. van der Stouwe, PhD
- Email: e.c.d.van.der.stouwe@umcg.nl
- Phone: +31 (0)6 39199758
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Psychiatric Disorders, Virtual Reality Schema Therapy