La Realtà Virtuale. Strumento per elicitare processi neurocognitivi per il trattamento in ambito riabilitativo

Abstract

The virtual reality (VR) is scientifically recognized as an interactive tool and simulation that allows a specific form of communication. Recently it has been considered as a tool of therapy in the rehabilitation of neurodegenerative and some psychological disorders, making it a useful adjunct (and not replacing) of the classic techniques of psychotherapy, in that, acting as a Cognitive-Experiential Therapy, succeeds is to mediate between the study of the therapist and the real world, both to overcome some obstacles related to some classic treatments exhibition of imaginative type. The recreated environments using the VR technology, in fact, may represent a further context for social interaction through which the user has the opportunity to experience real-life situations, objects and feared contexts, to have feelings, emotions and thoughts (past or present) on his psychological distress and increase the level of self-esteem, self-efficacy and safety, testing new adaptation strategies. And the VR protocol can also be useful as an additional diagnostic tool than traditional methods, since it allows to acquire specific information regarding the cognitive and behavioral sphere of patients undergoing these investigations. For this reason, even today, clinical psychology can utilize VR as a valid means of assessment, diagnosis and intervention