Virtual reality training to help control aggression in prisoners
Virtual Reality Training for Aggression Control in a Dutch Prison-based Population - a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if virtual reality training can help reduce aggressive behavior in male prisoners.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vught) |
| Trial ID | NCT06047587 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training for Aggression Control (VR-TRAC) in reducing aggression among male detainees at the Penitentiary Institution Vught in the Netherlands. A total of 128 participants with recent aggression regulation issues will be randomly assigned to either the VR-TRAC intervention or a waiting-list control group. The treatment group will engage in role-plays and VR-TRAC sessions, while the control group will only complete questionnaires and role-plays without the VR component. The study will measure changes in aggression levels using the Aggression Questionnaire.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are male detainees aged 18 and older who have been incarcerated for at least 20 weeks and exhibit aggression regulation problems.
Not a fit: Patients with acute suicidal behavior, current psychotic episodes, or insufficient understanding of the Dutch language may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce aggression in incarcerated individuals, leading to improved safety and rehabilitation outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for aggression prevention, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Detainees who are imprisoned in P.I. Vught, The Netherlands, for at least 20 weeks. * Detainees with aggression regulation problems in the last month, as measured with the AQ (a minimum score of 70). * Minimum age of 18 years old. Exclusion Criteria: * SCIL score of 14 or lower. (SCIL: a screener for IQ and is scored for every detainee as part of the reintegration plan inside detention). * Acute suicidal behavior or current psychotic episode. * Insufficient command and understanding of the Dutch language. * Photosensitive epileptic seizure in the past year. * An estimated stay of 5 months or shorter
Where this trial is running
Vught
- Penitentiary Institution Vught — Vught, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wim Veling — University of Groningen
- Study coordinator: Kasja Woicik
- Email: k.woicik@umcg.nl
- Phone: 0653206810
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.