Virtual Reality Heals My Reality: The Effect of Virtual Reality Self-Counseling with the Intimate Other Avatar

Virtual reality self-counseling (VR-SC) is considered effective in addressing mental health problems. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of VR-SC using Sigmund Freud’s avatar. However, considering the characteristics of virtual reality (VR) of perspective-taking of another person, VR-SC with the avatar of a person who cares about us (intimate person) is considered effective because it is assumed that warm behavior toward ourselves is exhibited. In this study, 60 undergraduate and graduate students were classified into VR-SC with intimate persons, VR-SC with Freud, and control groups, and the intervention effects were compared. Results showed that VR-SC with an intimate person was most effective in improving anxiety symptoms. These results may be attributed to accepting and affirming oneself from the perspective of the intimate person’s avatar and counseling with oneself. Our study showed that the same VR-SC method could have different effects depending on the avatar of the counseling partner.