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. 2023 Oct;12(5):397-404.
doi: 10.1089/g4h.2022.0214. Epub 2023 Jun 9.

Cognitive Behavioral Immersion for Substance Use Disorders: A Feasibility and Pilot Study of a Peer-Based Coaching Program in the Metaverse

Noah Robinson  1 , Anjali Mahapatra  1 , Brianna Jean-Baptiste  1 , Austin Mallard  1 , Aaron Yang  1 , Steven D Hollon  1 , Iony D Ezawa  2
Affiliations

Cognitive Behavioral Immersion for Substance Use Disorders: A Feasibility and Pilot Study of a Peer-Based Coaching Program in the Metaverse

Noah Robinson et al. Games Health J. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive Behavioral Immersion (CBI) is a novel cognitive-behavioral skills program delivered by lay coaches in the metaverse through immersive virtual reality technology. Objectives: The objective for this study was to run a feasibility and pilot study of CBI for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder. Methods: Data from 48 participants were used and program usage was assessed. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires assessing affect, perceived online social support, and group therapy alliance throughout their participation in the program. Structured qualitative interviews were also conducted with a subset of participants (n = 11) to understand the feasibility of the novel program. Results: Participants experienced a significant increase in their positive affect and non-significant decrease in their negative affect during their most recently attended session. Participants also experienced a nonsignificant increase in online social support across their participation in the program. Structured qualitative interviews revealed eight primary themes, including both advantages (community, psychoeducational impact, immersion, comparability with other interventions, coping in the pandemic, and anonymity) and areas of improvement (challenges and technological usability) of the program. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary support for the feasibility and potential effects of CBI and its incorporation of lay coaches to lead cognitive-behavioral skills groups in the metaverse. Future research is encouraged to examine the feasibility and efficacy of this program for a broader array of clinical presentations.

Keywords: Affect; Cognitive behavioral immersion; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Metaverse; Substance use disorders; Virtual reality.

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Conflict of interest statement

Noah Robinson is the CEO of Innerworld, Inc., the company that developed the Innerworld platform. No other competing financial interests exist.

Figures

FIG. 1.
FIG. 1.
Modalities of mental health services.
FIG. 2.
FIG. 2.
Screenshot of a Cognitive Behavioral Immersion session with a coach teaching the cognitive-behavioral model as members react with emojis.
FIG. 3.
FIG. 3.
Histogram of login counts.
FIG. 4.
FIG. 4.
Changes in affect from pre- to postsession. PANAS, positive and negative affect schedule.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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