African Cross-Cultural Psychology | 02 April 2012

Virtual Reality Therapy for PTSD in Kigali's Urban Centers: A Comparative Study

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18969703

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental health condition affecting urban populations in Rwanda. Virtual Reality (VR) therapy has emerged as a promising intervention for PTSD, offering immersive and controlled environments to simulate traumatic experiences. The study employed an experimental design where participants were randomly assigned to either VR therapy or a control group receiving conventional psychotherapy. Data collection included pre-treatment, post-treatment assessments, and follow-up sessions over six months. VR therapy demonstrated statistically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms compared to traditional treatments (p < 0.05), with an average reduction of 38% in symptom severity across all participants. Virtual Reality therapy shows promise as a viable and effective treatment for PTSD patients in urban settings, offering a tailored and engaging approach that complements conventional methods. Further research should explore the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of VR therapy versus traditional treatments. Implementation strategies must consider accessibility and cultural appropriateness. Virtual Reality Therapy, PTSD, Urban Population, Psychological Treatment