VR Flight Experience as a Novel Method for Reducing Fear of Heights

A recent study led by researchers at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) introduces an innovative approach to fear reduction using virtual reality (VR). Unlike traditional methods that rely on repeated exposure to height-related stimuli, this research demonstrates that active VR flight experiences can induce a sense of safety through action-based prediction, thereby alleviating fear responses.

The study involved two groups of participants: one actively engaged in VR flight at low altitudes, and another passively watched recorded VR flight videos. The active flight group was able to freely fly at heights below 5 meters for seven minutes before completing a virtual high-altitude plank-walking task. Researchers measured physiological responses, such as skin conductance responses (SCR), and subjective fear scores (SFS) to assess fear levels.

Results indicated that those who actively experienced VR flight exhibited significantly greater reductions in both physiological and subjective fear responses compared to the passive watchers. Specifically, the active group showed lower SCR levels and self-reported fear scores during subsequent height tasks. Furthermore, a stronger belief in the safety of falling—feeling "I can fly, so falling is not dangerous"—correlated with greater fear reduction.

This suggests that the key mechanism behind fear alleviation here is "action-based prediction": the expectation that one can transition safely to a secure state through self-initiated actions. Such an approach could represent a breakthrough in fear treatment, especially for acrophobia, by providing effective fear extinction without the need for repetitive exposure.

Participants first underwent a virtual body ownership task, familiarizing themselves with their VR avatars. Then, they performed the plank-walking at approximately 300 meters above ground, with fear responses monitored via SCR and SFS scores. The study was confirmed across two separate experiments, with consistent findings that active VR flight reduced fear responses more than passive observation.

Further analysis revealed that the feeling of "falling would not be dangerous because I can fly" significantly contributed to fear reduction, emphasizing the importance of perceived control and safety in VR-based interventions. Researchers are now exploring whether this method can produce long-term fear reduction and be applied as a therapeutic strategy for acrophobia in real-world settings.

This innovative use of VR highlights the potential for self-initiated, action-oriented experiences to serve as effective tools for mental health treatment, offering a promising alternative to traditional exposure therapies.