Fixing reality with virtual reality
Research proposal grant
name
Student number
Date
Page 1 of 13
, 1. Details of applicant
Name:
Student number:
Date:
2. Title of research proposal
Fixing reality with virtual reality
3. Summary of research proposal
Schizophrenia is a severely impairing disorder with symptomology that consists of
hallucinations, delusions, catatonic behaviour and negative symptoms. Negative
symptoms refer to an absence or lack of normal mental function involving thinking,
behaviour, and perception. Hallucinations are the most disruptive symptoms in daily
functioning, with up to 75% of schizophrenic patients suffering from it [1]. AVH is
commonly treated with a combination of anti psychotic medication and CBT. Promising
new research investigated virtual reality (VR) as new treatment options for AVH [2,3].
Clinical trials and additional research have shown VR treatment to be effective in
symptom reduction of AVH [2,3,4,5]. Specifically, AVATAR treatment has significant
results [6]. During AVATAR treatment the patients create a face for their hallucinations
which the clinician acts out in the upcoming seven weeks of treatment. Sessions start
abusive, mimicking their hallucinations as closely as possible, and over time create a
positive bond between patients and the voice embodiment [7,8,9]. During this process, the
patient learns to cope with fear and alter their reaction towards it. In past research
administration of AVATAR treatment has been conducted by psychiatrists. For wider and
more cost-efficient use of AVATAR treatment, administration by a psychologist is needed.
To accomplish this goal, our study will investigate whether administration by different
therapists is viable for future use.
2. Research proposal
Page 2 of 13
Research proposal grant
name
Student number
Date
Page 1 of 13
, 1. Details of applicant
Name:
Student number:
Date:
2. Title of research proposal
Fixing reality with virtual reality
3. Summary of research proposal
Schizophrenia is a severely impairing disorder with symptomology that consists of
hallucinations, delusions, catatonic behaviour and negative symptoms. Negative
symptoms refer to an absence or lack of normal mental function involving thinking,
behaviour, and perception. Hallucinations are the most disruptive symptoms in daily
functioning, with up to 75% of schizophrenic patients suffering from it [1]. AVH is
commonly treated with a combination of anti psychotic medication and CBT. Promising
new research investigated virtual reality (VR) as new treatment options for AVH [2,3].
Clinical trials and additional research have shown VR treatment to be effective in
symptom reduction of AVH [2,3,4,5]. Specifically, AVATAR treatment has significant
results [6]. During AVATAR treatment the patients create a face for their hallucinations
which the clinician acts out in the upcoming seven weeks of treatment. Sessions start
abusive, mimicking their hallucinations as closely as possible, and over time create a
positive bond between patients and the voice embodiment [7,8,9]. During this process, the
patient learns to cope with fear and alter their reaction towards it. In past research
administration of AVATAR treatment has been conducted by psychiatrists. For wider and
more cost-efficient use of AVATAR treatment, administration by a psychologist is needed.
To accomplish this goal, our study will investigate whether administration by different
therapists is viable for future use.
2. Research proposal
Page 2 of 13
