University of Twente Student Theses
Virtual reality relaxation : an effectiveness and implementation study with regard to VR- relaxation intervention : a mixed method approach
Osmaily, Melika (2019) Virtual reality relaxation : an effectiveness and implementation study with regard to VR- relaxation intervention : a mixed method approach.
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| Abstract: | Background: Burnout and sickness absence are increasing and require more attention to be tackled. The increasing work- related stress and exhaustion are examples of the root of these problems. To prevent further consequences like high costs and care for the employer and the government, measures must be taken to balance work and relaxation. Numerous interventions have already been developed with the aim of solving this current problem. At the same time the growing interest in medical and mental applications and Virtual Reality has become an opportunity by many health providers. Previous studies have shown that the use of these interventions can be beneficial in the healthcare. In contrast, there is still a lack of knowledge about the exact benefits and the methods of implementation. Therefore this research is conducted to gain more knowledge about the benefits of these interventions. In the current study we have examined the Virtual Reality Relaxation intervention, which is developed by ‘Therapieland’, with the aim of inducing relaxation, to analyze whether such interventions can contribute in the future to prevent burnout symptoms. Goal: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the relaxation intervention designed by Therapieland by examining whether differences in the degree of anxiety, positive mood and negative mood were measured . The expectation was to reach decreased anxiety and negative mood levels after performing the Virtual Reality intervention. The second aim of the study was to investigate which implementation factors may facilitate or hinder the intervention in the future. Methods: A mixed- method design was used in the current study. Thirty employees (N= 30) of the Province Zuid Holland participated in the pre- post-test study. To measure the anxiety levels, the ‘Zelf-beoordeling vragenlijst’ ( Dutch version of the State Anxiety Inventory) was used. The Positive affection vs. Negative Affection Scale ( PANAS) was used to measure the positive and negative moods of the participants before and after the intervention. For the qualitative part of the study a semi- structured interview scheme was obtained on the basis of the 5- domains of the CFIR model of Damschroder and used in the qualitative part of the study. Fifteen of the thirty employees who participated in the VR-relaxation intervention underwent the semi-structured interviews on a voluntary basis. Results: The quantitative part, results showed significant decreased levels of anxiety and negative mood levels after the intervention. The mean scores of the Negative Affection scale were decreased from (M=14.6) before the intervention to (M=11.5) after the intervention. The mean scores of the State Anxiety decreased from ( M=36.2) before the intervention to (M=32.0) after the intervention. The qualitative part many barriers and facilitators have been recognized. Overall, the VR- Relaxation intervention was assessed positively by the participants of the study ( Employees of the Provincie Zuid Holland). The VR- relaxation experience and the content elements have been appointed as factors underlying this experience. Some barriers including quality and lack of movement relate to the characteristics of the virtual environment. The most important implementation factors are found within the domain of inner setting, these are distance to reach the intervention and the existing culture in the organization. Furthermore, involvement of the management, attitude towards the intervention and promotion of the intervention were considered as important factors. These factors can facilitate the implementation if recommendations given by the participants can be applied in practice. Conclusion: The current study was carried out to gain more knowledge about the effectivity of VR-relaxation intervention and the implementation of it to contribute in the problem of work related stress. The current study indicates that Virtual Reality Relaxation can contribute to the problem of burnout and sickness absence by reducing the numbers of tension and negative moods during work. However, it is important when implementing such interventions, to consider facilitating and hampering factors and to meet conditions to minimize hampering and to maximize facilitating factors. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/79856 |
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