About the Study
The purpose of this study is to investigate if virtual reality technology can be utilized to improve weight related fears and anxiety in individuals with eating disorders. Participants will be asked to do a screening interview, and two virtual reality therapy sessions while wearing a virtual reality headset and health-sensor band. During the virtual reality therapy, participants will be asked to wear a virtual reality headset and go through a guided mirror exposure in a virtual reality environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for this study?
Anyone who meets criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) may participate. Individuals with binge eating disorder do not qualify for this study. You must be able to come to the University of Louisville for the screening interview and therapy sessions.
Where does the study take place?
This study takes place in Louisville, KY at the University of Louisville’s Life Sciences Building.
What is the duration of the study?
The total duration of this study will be approximately two-three weeks. Participants will first come in for an in-person screening during which we will determine study eligibility and provide a brief training on virtual reality therapy. Participants will then schedule times to come in for the two therapy sessions, which are typically scheduled about a week apart. The screening and the two therapy sessions should all take about 45-60 minutes to complete.
Can I participate if I already have a therapist?
Yes! We encourage you to continuing working with your current therapist and treat this study as though it is additional therapy.
What are the benefits of participation?
The possible benefits of this study include a potential decrease in anxiety over the course of the study, as well as a potential decrease in eating disorder symptoms. Exposure therapy is beneficial for the reduction of anxiety. This study provides no cost therapy that may benefit your health outcomes. The study is not paid, but you will receive free VR therapy sessions as part of this study, which is valued up to $500.
Are there any risks associated with participating?
You may feel anxious or tired as a result of the therapy sessions. A study coordinator will always be present during these sessions to help you with any distress you may be experiencing.
What will the exposures involve?
After you set up the virtual reality headset, you will be asked to customize your avatar. You will then be guided through a virtual reality exposure where you will experience five different bodies, with each body gaining weight over time.
Who can I contact for more information?
Those interested can contact the study principal investigator, Cheri Levinson at cheri.levinson@louisville.edu. Potential participants can also email virtualrealitytherapystudy@gmail.com or call the lab at 502-852-2568. Or please use the contact form below to contact us.
Anyone who meets criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) may participate. Individuals with binge eating disorder do not qualify for this study. You must be able to come to the University of Louisville for the screening interview and therapy sessions.
Where does the study take place?
This study takes place in Louisville, KY at the University of Louisville’s Life Sciences Building.
What is the duration of the study?
The total duration of this study will be approximately two-three weeks. Participants will first come in for an in-person screening during which we will determine study eligibility and provide a brief training on virtual reality therapy. Participants will then schedule times to come in for the two therapy sessions, which are typically scheduled about a week apart. The screening and the two therapy sessions should all take about 45-60 minutes to complete.
Can I participate if I already have a therapist?
Yes! We encourage you to continuing working with your current therapist and treat this study as though it is additional therapy.
What are the benefits of participation?
The possible benefits of this study include a potential decrease in anxiety over the course of the study, as well as a potential decrease in eating disorder symptoms. Exposure therapy is beneficial for the reduction of anxiety. This study provides no cost therapy that may benefit your health outcomes. The study is not paid, but you will receive free VR therapy sessions as part of this study, which is valued up to $500.
Are there any risks associated with participating?
You may feel anxious or tired as a result of the therapy sessions. A study coordinator will always be present during these sessions to help you with any distress you may be experiencing.
What will the exposures involve?
After you set up the virtual reality headset, you will be asked to customize your avatar. You will then be guided through a virtual reality exposure where you will experience five different bodies, with each body gaining weight over time.
Who can I contact for more information?
Those interested can contact the study principal investigator, Cheri Levinson at cheri.levinson@louisville.edu. Potential participants can also email virtualrealitytherapystudy@gmail.com or call the lab at 502-852-2568. Or please use the contact form below to contact us.