RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

VR-CBT With Inuit in Quebec

This study is exploring two different virtual reality (VR) approaches to help Inuit individuals in Montreal better manage their emotions. One group will take part in a 10-week VR-assisted therapy program with a therapist in a clinic. This therapy aims to improve emotion regulation, which means getting better at understanding and handling feelings. The other group will use a VR self-management program called 'Calm Place' at home for 10 weeks, focusing on guided relaxation. Researchers will compare both groups to see how they affect emotion regulation, mood, and overall well-being. The study hopes to find out if VR therapy combined with a therapist is more effective than home-based VR relaxation.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jul 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Emotion Regulation

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into new ways to help people regulate their emotions, which means understanding and managing their feelings better. This is especially important for those who have experienced difficult or traumatic events. The study focuses specifically on Inuit people living in Montreal, as past experiences can sometimes make it harder to handle strong emotions.

The researchers have created a special type of therapy that uses virtual reality (VR) combined with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and adapted it to be suitable for the Inuit community. This VR-CBT program involves working with a therapist in a clinic over ten weeks. They believe this combination could be very helpful. To see if this new approach works, they are comparing it to another VR program called 'Calm Place', which offers guided relaxation that people can use at home.

By comparing these two methods, the study aims to find out which one is more effective at helping people manage their emotions, improve their mood, reduce feelings of distress, and increase their overall well-being. This will involve looking at how participants feel and react to certain situations before and after the programs. The hope is that this research will ultimately lead to better support and tools for emotional well-being.

Key takeaways

The study explores two VR methods for emotion management.
It's for Inuit people in Montreal aged 14-60.
One group gets VR therapy with a therapist, another uses home VR relaxation.
Participation involves 10 weeks of activity and some assessments.
The goal is to improve emotional well-being.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an Inuit person living in Montreal, aged between 14 and 60 years old. You should be comfortable speaking either English or French.

For your safety, there are a few health requirements. You shouldn't have a history of heart conditions, epilepsy, psychosis (like schizophrenia), or current thoughts of harming yourself or others. Your mood should be stable, and you shouldn't have made any changes to mental health medications in the past month.

Also, you need to be able to use a VR headset and wear small sensors comfortably. If you have active substance abuse issues, you might not be suitable for this study. The researchers will check these details carefully to make sure the study is a good fit for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am an Inuit person living in Montreal.
I am between 14 and 60 years old.
I can speak English or French comfortably.
I haven't had any recent changes to my mental health medications (in the last 4 weeks).
I have no history of heart problems, epilepsy, or psychosis.
I don't have current thoughts of harming myself or others.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, like flipping a coin, so it's fair. Both groups will participate for 10 weeks. One group will attend a clinic to receive VR therapy guided by a psychotherapist. The other group will use a VR relaxation program called 'Calm Place' at home. Before and after the 10 weeks, researchers will ask you to complete questionnaires about your emotions, mood, and well-being. They will also use some small sensors to measure your physical reactions to certain situations. You won't be given any new medication as part of the study, and your current medications should remain stable.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of learning new skills to better manage your emotions and improve your overall well-being, either through guided therapy or home-based relaxation. While serious risks are unlikely, some people might feel mild discomfort from wearing the VR headset or sensors, or experience temporary emotional reactions during therapy. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'emotion regulation'?

Emotion regulation means how well you understand, manage, and respond to your feelings in a healthy way.

What is VR-CBT?

VR-CBT is a type of talk therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) where you use a virtual reality headset to help you practice new ways of thinking and coping with emotions.

What is 'Calm Place'?

'Calm Place' is a virtual reality program designed to help you relax and manage stress through guided exercises you can do at home.

Will I have to pay to join the study?

No, you will not have to pay to participate in the study.

What if I decide I don't want to continue?

You can leave the study at any point without it affecting your care or anything else.

How to find out more

Karyne Anselmo, M.Sc.

karyne.anselmo@douglas.mcgill.ca 514-761-6131 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.