VR for Hope — a five-session virtual reality program to boost hope and well‑being in young adults
VR for Hope: A Feasibility Study of a Brief Virtual Reality Self-Help Protocol to Foster Hope and Well-Being Among Young Adults
This project will try a five-session VR self-help program to boost hope, psychological well-being, and mentalization in healthy Italian-speaking young adults aged 18–30.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan, MI) |
| Trial ID | NCT07483762 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The intervention begins with one in-person immersive VR session at the Milan site followed by four self-guided audio/video sessions completed at home. Participants complete self-report questionnaires before and after the program to measure hope, psychological well-being, and mentalization capacity. The protocol is brief and designed to test feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary changes in non-clinical young adults rather than provide clinical treatment. Results will inform whether a larger, controlled trial is warranted.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy Italian-speaking young adults aged 18–30 who can attend one in-person session in Milan and are willing to follow four self-guided sessions remotely.
Not a fit: People with a history of neurological disorders, clinically significant maladaptive personality traits, non-Italian speakers, or those unable to attend the initial in-person session are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide a low-cost, scalable way to increase hope and psychological well-being among young adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous VR-based interventions have shown promise for improving mood and well‑being, but brief self-help VR programs specifically targeting hope and mentalization in healthy young adults are relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 30 years. * Native Italian speakers or individuals with excellent comprehension of spoken and written Italian. Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurological disorders, presence of clinically significant maladaptive personality traits.
Where this trial is running
Milan, MI
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore — Milan, Mi, Italy (Recruiting)
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.