Mental imagery and height interpretation bias after virtual reality height exposure

Abstract

Literature shows that there is a link between mental imagery and overestimating heights which could potentially make heights more frightening and increase acrophobia symptoms. Understanding the relationships between height interpretation biases, mental imagery and fear of heights, is essential in improving interventions to treat these symptoms. The purpose of this research was therefore to investigate whether VR height exposure cues can influence mental imagery and height interpretation biases in individuals with elevated levels of fear of heights. A multiple baseline design was used. Three participants were screened and upon meeting the inclusion criteria filled out the acrophobia questionnaire, the height interpretation questionnaire and the fear of heights mental imagery scale for 11 to 13 days in a row. During this time participants were exposed to two VR height exposure cues. It was found that acrophobia symptoms decreased following the VR height exposure cues in each participant. Mental imagery and height interpretation biases decreased in participant one and three, but not in participant two. Falling related mental imagery decreased in participant one and three also, but again not in participant two. Each participant noted that they experienced mental imagery in the first person perspective. This pilot study provided the important first step to investigate the effect of VR exposure cues on height interpretation biases and mental imagery and found that height interpretation bias and mental imagery decrease after VR height exposure cues in individuals who are very fearful of heights.