Virtual Reality and Forensic Mental Health

Background

Even though there are some assessment tools we can use with VR, which can help measure different needs and responsivity issues for offenders, no tool is able to predict violence or reoffending at 100 percent. VR offers new possibilities to improve current evaluations and inform on upcoming correctional rehabilitation strategies (Ticknor, 2018).

Virtual reality allows us to generate an immense variety of safe, cost-efficient, and simple-to-control environments (Ticknor & Tillinghast, 2011). These environments are computer-generated simulations that incorporate the world in a three-dimensional (3D) visualization, allowing user interaction through transmission devices (Ticknor, 2011) with various sensory modalities. Some authors consider that VR began based on fictional and fantasy thoughts of scientists. However, presently, this type of technology can be more representative of real environments than the traditional technics that usually rely on people's memory and imagination. (Marques et al., 2008; Ticknor & Tillinghast, 2011; Smeijers & Koole, 2019). Additionally, it presents us an opportunity to manipulate the circumstances according to each patients' specificities (Marques et al., 2008; Ticknor & Tillinghast, 2011; Smeijers & Koole, 2019).

Researchers imply the need to understand two essential aspects to ensure the quality of this technological approach: immersion and presence (Cisneros et al., 2019; Dores et al., 2012; Ticknor & Tillinghast, 2011). The first concept contemplates the perception of reality while in VR. Ticknor (2011) suggests three types of perception: fully immersive, semi-immersive, and non-immersive. The term presence describes the notion of being physically present in a virtual environment while in a different location (Dores et al., 2012; Ticknor, 2018).

This technology can be supplemented with other devices and, while doing so, more valuable information might be provided (Benbouriche et al., 2014). For example, with physiological response measurement, the investigators can assess the participants’ heart rate, perspiration, muscular tension, and blood pressure (Benbouriche et al., 2014; Ticknor, 2018). Despite this, it is important to keep in mind that not every participant reacts well to VR technology. Some people might experience certain physiological responses, for instance, cybersickness. Its symptoms can include eye strain, headache, paleness, sweating, mouth dryness, disorientation, and vertigo (Ticknor, 2018). Some individuals might also experience nausea and mild pain from the head-mounted device's weight or shape (Greg & Tarrier, 2007).