University of Twente Student Theses
Immersive virtual reality interventions to change lifestyle behavior in individuals with chronic- or life-threatening somatic conditions : A scoping review
Rosen, K.S. (2023) Immersive virtual reality interventions to change lifestyle behavior in individuals with chronic- or life-threatening somatic conditions : A scoping review.
Full text not available from this repository.
| Full Text Status: | Access to this publication is restricted |
| Embargo date: | 19 December 2025 |
| Abstract: | Individuals with chronic- or life-threatening somatic conditions need to adjust to novel and dynamic circumstances, for example in terms of lifestyle behavior which requires immense effort. The immersive and controllable properties of immersive virtual reality enable the creation of simulated but realistic scenarios that are more controllable than real-life experiences. This can increase patient engagement with lifestyle behavior interventions, for example, by utilizing personalization and adaptation to consider the circumstances of affected individuals. Due to the novelty and potential of immersive virtual reality, the five-step plan for scoping reviews by Arksey & O’Malley was employed to answer the following research question: What characterizes the content of immersive virtual reality interventions that address lifestyle behavior in populations with chronic- or life-threatening somatic conditions? Among the final selection of 46 studies, three out of eight pre-determined lifestyle behavior categories characterized intervention content, namely stress management, physical exercise, and diet. Stress management interventions that address pain-related outcomes in chronic pain populations were widespread. Many different illness populations were targeted with a variety of different techniques that often involved the performance of behavior rather than the process of behavioral change. However, personalization and adaptation were scarce across all interventions. Therefore, the findings of this review illustrate a quickly emerging field with a solid foundation for further optimization. To ensure patient engagement with intervention content, future research and intervention development in this context should more frequently complement the performance of behavior with process techniques, as well as combine personalized and adaptive components. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/97898 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page