Observational cohort study of a group-based VR program to improve mental health and wellbeing in people with life-threatening illnesses
Joe Hardy, Hannes Kettner, David Glowacki et al. preprint
A group-based virtual reality program called Clear Light, delivered at home over three weeks, improved anxiety, depression, and wellbeing in people with life-threatening illnesses. The program included multi-user VR experiences, video calls, and text chats designed to elicit self-transcendent experiences similar to psychedelics. In a small observational study of 15 participants, moderate improvements were seen in anxiety, depression, wellbeing, demoralization, connectedness, and spiritual wellbeing. The intervention was well-tolerated. The findings suggest potential benefits but are limited by the lack of a comparison group, indicating the need for randomized controlled trials.