Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Psychology
Advisor
Edoardo R. Naggiar
Abstract
Treatments for posttraumatic stress have remained largely static for 3 decades, resulting in low recovery rates, high degrees of retrogression, and noncompliance by patients, calling for new approaches for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of people with PTSD who participate in Desktop Virtual Reality Environments (DVREs). The research questions asked about the lived experiences of adults with PTSD who use the DVRE, and what they perceive as changes in their narratives about PTSD through their use of the DVRE. Twenty-three participants responded to a 10-item, open-ended questionnaire. Findings show that although each participant had their own individual approach, their reported experiences shared commonalities in efforts to establish control over external stressors, create new interpersonal boundaries, explore the self apart from previous self-definitions, connect with others in healthier roles, acquire new skills that gave them newfound confidence, and build resilience to reduce regression when confronted with triggering life events. Implications for positive social change include improved therapeutic outcomes that may curtail the negative personal, interpersonal, and social outcomes prevalent in PTSD, such as antisocial behaviors, substance abuse, and suicidality.
Recommended Citation
Crary, Colleen Margaret, "Experiences of PTSD Sufferers Who Participate in Internet-Based Virtual World Activities in Desktop Virtual Reality Environments" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9093.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9093
