Expressive Avatars in Psychological Intervention and Therapy

2019 ◽  
pp. 27-48
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Cláudio ◽  
Maria Beatriz Carmo ◽  
Augusta Gaspar ◽  
Renato Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Virtual Humans ◽  
Nonverbal Behaviour ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Virtual Reality Application ◽  
Human Facial Expression

A wide range of applications for virtual humans can be envisaged for the needs of both research and intervention in Psychology. This chapter describes the development and preliminary testing of an interactive virtual reality application “Virtual Spectators” – whereby virtual humans with expressive behaviour modelled on the basis of field research in human facial expression in real emotion contexts can be configured to interact with people in an interview or jury. We discuss the possibilities of this application in cognitive behavioural therapy using virtual reality and in nonverbal behaviour.

Feasibility trial of virtual reality exposure therapy for selective mutism

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910452110569
Author(s):  
Yi Ren Tan ◽  
Yoon Phaik Ooi ◽  
Rebecca P Ang ◽  
Dion H Goh ◽  
Clare Kwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Exposure Therapy ◽  
Selective Mutism ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Evidence Based Care ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has been commonly utilised as an extension of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, most studies examined its effectiveness among adults, with no study focusing on children with selective mutism (SM). We aimed to examine its feasibility and acceptability among children with SM. Twenty children aged 6–12 with SM diagnosis were recruited and completed six therapist-guided VRET sessions. Parents and clinicians completed measures at pre-VRET, post-VRET, 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. At post-VRET, parent and child participants completed the acceptability questionnaires. Findings suggested the feasibility of VRET as all participants completed the programme with no attrition. Parents and child participants also reported VRET to be an acceptable and effective treatment for SM. Significant improvement in overall functioning were found at post-treatment and follow-up measures, but there were no significant changes in parent-rated speech frequency and anxiety measures. These support the acceptability of VRET as an adjunct modality (and not substitute) of CBT in SM treatment. Future studies, with more robust experimental designs and larger sample sizes, can be conducted to confirm its efficacy. As technology becomes more sophisticated, tools such as virtual environments can be explored to enhance evidence-based care for children and their families.

scholarly journals The Combination of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy with Virtual Reality for the Treatment of Postnatal Depression in a Brief Intervention Context: A Single-Case Study Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
George Stamou ◽  
Azucena Garcia-Palacios ◽  
Brendon J. Woodford ◽  
Carlos Suso-Ribera ◽  
Cristina Botella
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Postnatal Depression ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Study Trial ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
The Individual

Postnatal depression (PND) is a mood disorder with potentially devastating effects to the individual on many levels. It can affect cognitive functioning, motivation, and self-esteem. The person can socially withdraw from their immediate familial or social circle. It can affect bonding and quality time between the mother and baby. There are many effective therapeutic treatments used for the treatment of PND such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). This study using a single-case study trial with 15 participants investigates the clinical usefulness of combining CBT with virtual reality (VR). Results show that the combination of CBT with VR is an effective treatment for PND. In addition, VR can enhance awareness, decision-making, and self-appreciation within the individual and can also have real-life applications. This study also shows that the combination of VR and CBT is feasible, while the use of such a technology is well accepted.

scholarly journals 8. Therapeutic and Educational Potential of Combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Art – Qualitative Analysis of a Case Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Růžička ◽  
Kristýna Krahulcová ◽  
Jan Chrastina
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Subsequent Application ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Educational Potential

Abstract Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy is, just like other psychotherapeutic systems, of an eclectic nature. Should a therapist be successful across a wide range of issues, he/she needs to be adaptable, flexible and eclectic in terms of the techniques applied. Eclectically oriented therapists use a wide range of interventions; however, they adhere to individual theoretical structures. The aim of the paper is to point out the application of a combination of artistic activities within the system of the Cognitive behavioural therapy. For this purpose the paper presents a qualitative analysis of two case studies. We formulated the following research questions. Can the methods of combining the cognitive behavioural therapy and art accelerate the course of therapy? Can the methods of combining the cognitive behavioural therapy and art be perceived by the client as effective? The phenomenon investigated in the case study is a functional analysis of a client’s case and subsequent application of therapeutic and educational techniques of the Cognitive behavioural therapy and art. In both case studies it was demonstrated that the involvement of therapeutic elements accelerated the course of therapy. The clients in the research sample assessed the therapy as beneficial.

Interventions for childhood behaviour problems

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 2076-2076
Author(s):  
F. Resch
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Behaviour Problems ◽  
Living Situation ◽  
Disruptive Disorders ◽  
Oppositional Defiant ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Therapeutic Measures

Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are classified as disruptive disorders. However, they show a wide range of associations with other psychopathological features. Disturbances of emotional regulation, impulse control, narcissism, and paranoid cognitive style may shape the behavioural picture. On the basis of the Heidelberg School Study (n = 6085) those 15 yr old students with externalising behaviour disturbances were analysed regarding internalising behaviour problems, deliberate self harm, suicidal behaviour, living situation, and family problems. Developmental trajectories from infant temperament to adolescent behaviour will be outlined and therapeutic measures like parent training, patient focused cognitive behavioural therapy and multisystemic family interventions will be described on the basis of meta-analytic reviews.

scholarly journals Introduction to acceptance and commitment therapy

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Webster
Keyword(s):  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Behavioural Repertoire

SummaryAcceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a descendant of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). The model draws techniques from a wide variety of sources and unites them within a philosophical and scientific framework to create a principle-driven therapy. Psychopathology is understood as a narrowing behavioural repertoire that develops over time through maladaptive strategies to cope with unwanted private events. The six core components of the therapy remain consistent across a wide range of clinical conditions. The approach combines processes of acceptance and mindfulness with those of commitment and behavioural change to produce increased psychological flexibility and an expanded behavioural repertoire. Since its introduction in 1999 an increasing number of trials show promising results for a wide range of conditions.

scholarly journals Treating psychological symptoms in sexually abused children

2003 ◽  
Vol 183 (06) ◽  
pp. 484-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ramchandani ◽  
David P. H. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexually Abused ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Sexually Abused Children

BackgroundThe experience of having been sexually abused is associated with a wide range of psychiatric symptoms and difficulties, and these problems can persist over years. The psychological treatment of children who have experienced sexual abuse has only recently begun to be systematically investigated. An increasing number of robust studies have been conducted.AimsTo review systematically the available evidence from randomised controlled trials of psychological treatments for children who have been sexually abused, and to consider the place of these treatments in a multi-disciplinary service.MethodA systematic search of the available research was undertaken. Included trials were critically appraised and the results considered.ResultsTwelve studies were included in the review. The best evidence of efficacy for improving psychological symptoms in these children was found for cognitive–behavioural therapy, particularly for young children.ConclusionsEfficacious treatments exist to improve psychological symptoms in children who have experienced sexual abuse. Consideration is given to the place of these treatments within the response of a multi-disciplinary service.

scholarly journals Cognitive therapy training for psychiatrists

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Scott ◽  
Steven Moorhead
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Therapy Training ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Training Schemes

Psychological therapies are a necessary component of any mental health service. Psychiatrists will require a working knowledge of different psychological approaches and many will wish to develop clinical skills to practice at least one model of psychotherapy. Historically, most psychiatry training schemes have offered exposure to psychodynamic psychotherapies, while training in other approaches has been less systematic. The expansion of research into brief psychological therapies and a wealth of recent publications on the subject have led to an increasing awareness of the benefits of training in other models of psychotherapy. The most widely practised and researched brief psychological intervention is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This paper will outline the principles behind providing training in CBT, and the barriers to successful implementation of a training programme.

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