Okay, here’s a detailed article based on the press release from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) published on May 14, 2025, focusing on the research about how VR flight experiences can reduce fear of heights.
VR Flight Simulation: A Cure for Fear of Heights? NICT Research Suggests a Promising Link
A new study from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) suggests that experiencing flight in virtual reality (VR) can significantly reduce acrophobia, the fear of heights. The research, published on May 14, 2025, found that individuals who underwent VR flight simulations were more likely to predict that they could “still fly” even after experiencing a virtual fall, indicating a shift in their perception of height and a reduction in fear.
The Research: Taking Flight in the Digital World
The NICT research team designed a VR experience that allowed participants to simulate the sensation of flying. Participants were immersed in a virtual environment where they could control their flight, soar through the air, and experience the sensations of altitude. The study involved a group of individuals who reported having a fear of heights, although not necessarily diagnosed with acrophobia.
Key Findings:
- Altered Perception: The core finding was that individuals who experienced the VR flight simulation showed a remarkable shift in their perception of falling. After experiencing a simulated fall in the VR environment, participants were asked about their expectations. Those who had previously experienced successful flight within the VR simulation were more likely to predict that they could regain flight even after the simulated fall. This suggests a cognitive restructuring of their relationship with height.
- Reduced Fear Response: The study indicates that experiencing a safe and controlled “flight” within VR can create a sense of mastery over height and reduce the associated anxiety. By repeatedly experiencing the ability to fly and potentially recovering from simulated falls, participants appeared to develop a stronger sense of control and resilience.
- Potential Therapeutic Applications: The implications for therapy are significant. The research suggests that VR flight simulations could be a valuable tool for treating acrophobia. The controlled and safe environment of VR allows individuals to confront their fear of heights gradually and repeatedly, promoting desensitization and cognitive restructuring.
How it Works: The Psychology Behind the VR Effect
The research likely taps into several psychological principles:
- Exposure Therapy: VR flight simulation acts as a form of exposure therapy. By exposing individuals to heights in a controlled and safe virtual environment, it allows them to gradually confront their fears without the real-world risks.
- Cognitive Restructuring: The VR experience challenges the negative thought patterns associated with acrophobia. By experiencing successful flight and even recovering from simulated falls, participants begin to replace their fear-based assumptions with more positive and empowering beliefs.
- Sense of Agency: Giving participants control over their flight within the VR environment enhances their sense of agency and mastery. This sense of control can be particularly important in overcoming anxiety, as it allows individuals to feel more in control of their environment and their own reactions.
The Future of VR Therapy:
This NICT research represents a significant step forward in the application of VR technology for therapeutic purposes. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimize the VR experience, the initial findings are promising.
Looking Ahead:
Future research will likely focus on:
- Optimizing VR simulations: Further refining VR flight simulations to enhance the sense of realism and immersion to maximize the therapeutic benefits.
- Tailoring experiences: Developing personalized VR experiences that cater to individual levels of fear and anxiety.
- Long-term effects: Investigating the long-term impact of VR flight simulations on reducing acrophobia and improving overall quality of life.
- Combining with traditional therapy: Exploring how VR therapy can be integrated with traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to create a more comprehensive and effective treatment approach.
The NICT’s research offers a compelling glimpse into the potential of VR as a powerful tool for treating phobias and improving mental well-being. As VR technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the field of therapy.
VRで自ら飛ぶ体験をした人は、「落下しても飛べる」と予測し高所恐怖が低減される
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-05-14 05:01, ‘VRで自ら飛ぶ体験をした人は、「落下しても飛べる」と予測し高所恐怖が低減される’ was published according to 情報通信研究機構. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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