TREATING FEAR OF FLYING USING BIOFEEDBACK AND VIRTUAL REALITY

This study examined an experimental behavioral therapy protocol using virtual reality for fear of flying (FOF) in comparison to the existing standard treatment protocol commonly employed of exposure therapy. Both groups received Virtual Reality (VR) as the method exposure to the stimulus and biofeedback on autonomic functioning. The control group was treated with graded exposure, where participants were repeatedly exposed to flight situations via VR, while receiving continuous biofeedback on physiological sensations. The experimental group was treated using a systematic desensitization model where participants were repeatedly exposed to flight situations via VR, while engaging in relaxation techniques to counter the anxiety response, while receiving continuous biofeedback on physiological sensations.