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Training Reward Responsiveness Through Virtual Reality
Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles
Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT) with an active control condition, Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT), on positive affect and other clinical symptoms. VR-RT is a novel intervention aimed at enhancing savoring of positive experiences among individuals with elevated depression and low positive affect through guided imaginal recounting following immersion in positive VR experiences. The current study tests an enhanced version of this training using improved virtual reality technology. Target enrollment is 80 participants with low positive affect, depression, and impaired functioning, who are at least 18 years old, who will be randomly assigned to 4 weeks of either VR-RT or VR-MT. Participants will complete in-person VR sessions, laboratory assessments, and self-report questionnaires as part of the study. The total length of participation is around 3 months.
Official title: Virtual Reality Training Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
80
Start Date
2025-05-21
Completion Date
2027-06
Last Updated
2026-10-08
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT)
Participants complete positive VR experiences followed by written and coach-guided imaginal recounting of rewarding details. Recounting emphasizes a first-person, present-tense perspective and attention to positive sensory and emotional features of the experience. Participants also complete written and audio-guided exercises involving positive autobiographical memories.
Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT)
Participants complete VR-based memory exercises requiring attention to and memory for objects of a specific color. Following VR experiences, participants complete written and coach-guided verbal recall emphasizing objective details. Participants also complete written and audio-guided neutral word-list memorization and recall exercises.
Locations (1)
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States