Improving Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Adolescents With Physical Disabilities Through Group-Based Virtual Reality Gaming: Feasibility Pre-Post Trial Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescents with disabilities experience alarmingly higher rates of depression and isolation than peers without disabilities. There is a need to identify interventions that can improve mental health and isolation among this underserved population. Innovations in virtual reality (VR) gaming "standalone" headsets allow greater access to immersive high-quality digital experiences, due to their relatively low cost.

Objective

This study had three purposes, which were to (1) examine the preliminary effects of a low-cost, home-based VR multiplayer recreation and socialization on depression, socialization, and loneliness; (2) quantify the acceptability of the program as measured by participant adherence, total play time, and exercise time; and (3) identify and describe be

SUBMITTER: Lai B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10733831 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature