What is it about?
This mixed-methods randomized controlled trial examined whether virtual reality–based positive psychotherapy (VR-PPT) could improve emotional experiences and life satisfaction and reduce suicidal ideation in people with major depressive disorder. 78 participants were randomized to three sessions of VR-PPT or equivalent face-to-face positive psychotherapy.
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Why is it important?
Most VR interventions for depression have focused on CBT, while the use of VR to deliver positive psychotherapy has remained largely unexplored. The study found that both VR and face-to-face PPT were associated with improvements over time, with no significant difference in overall trajectories between the two delivery formats—suggesting that VR may be a feasible and acceptable way to deliver PPT rather than necessarily a superior one.
Perspectives
The findings open an interesting direction for technology-supported positive mental health care. Participants described the VR program as user-friendly, engaging, privacy-preserving, and helpful for positive emotions, coping, self-connection, and psychological well-being. Future research should test larger samples, longer interventions and follow-ups, more gender-balanced populations, and integration of VR with conventional psychotherapy.
Dr Maryam Shaygan
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Assessing the effects of virtual reality-based positive psychotherapy on emotion, life satisfaction, and suicidal ideation in major depression: A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial, PLOS One, July 2026, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0354610.
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