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Systematic Review

Ludic and Narrative Immersion in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Animal Phobias: A Systematic Literature Review

DigiMedia, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Virtual Worlds 2023, 2(4), 303-325; https://doi.org/10.3390/virtualworlds2040018
Submission received: 8 August 2023 / Revised: 9 September 2023 / Accepted: 25 September 2023 / Published: 4 October 2023

Abstract

In the context of therapeutic exposure to phobias, virtual reality (VR) offers innovative ways to motivate patients to confront their fears, an opportunity not feasible in traditional non-digital settings. This systematic literature review explores the utilization of narratives and digital games in this context, focusing on identifying the most common ludic and narrative immersion features employed in studies dedicated to animal phobias. Via a search on the Scopus and Web of Science scientific databases, twenty-nine studies were selected for in-depth analysis. The primary objective was to evaluate the presence of ludic and narrative elements in each study to understand their immersive potential across both dimensions. Findings suggest that ludic elements are more commonly used than narrative elements, which are notably scarce, and the exploration of the emotional dimension of narrative immersion is limited. An essential takeaway is that features fostering narrative immersion are invariably linked to the ludic dimension, often functioning as secondary components. This study provides a guiding framework for developing therapeutic interventions in VR, emphasizing the incorporation of ludic and narrative aspects. Additionally, it identifies untapped research opportunities, particularly the integration of autonomous narratives that are less reliant on ludic elements.
Keywords: ludic immersion; narrative immersion; virtual reality; exposure therapy; animal phobia; gamification; storytelling ludic immersion; narrative immersion; virtual reality; exposure therapy; animal phobia; gamification; storytelling

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Martins, S.; Vairinhos, M. Ludic and Narrative Immersion in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Animal Phobias: A Systematic Literature Review. Virtual Worlds 2023, 2, 303-325. https://doi.org/10.3390/virtualworlds2040018

AMA Style

Martins S, Vairinhos M. Ludic and Narrative Immersion in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Animal Phobias: A Systematic Literature Review. Virtual Worlds. 2023; 2(4):303-325. https://doi.org/10.3390/virtualworlds2040018

Chicago/Turabian Style

Martins, Silvino, and Mário Vairinhos. 2023. "Ludic and Narrative Immersion in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Animal Phobias: A Systematic Literature Review" Virtual Worlds 2, no. 4: 303-325. https://doi.org/10.3390/virtualworlds2040018

APA Style

Martins, S., & Vairinhos, M. (2023). Ludic and Narrative Immersion in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Animal Phobias: A Systematic Literature Review. Virtual Worlds, 2(4), 303-325. https://doi.org/10.3390/virtualworlds2040018

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