Emotional Rollercoaster
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STUDY OVERVIEW
SUMMARY
The Contrast Avoidance Model (CAM) suggests that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) maintain worry to avoid sudden negative emotional contrasts following unexpected adverse events. To simulate this mechanism, we developed a virtual reality (VR) protocol that alternated guided relaxation with brief anxiety-inducing scenarios (skyline plank, crowded elevator, and loose dog encounter).
KEY FINDINGS
The protocol successfully produced measurable emotional contrast, with exposure scenarios reducing RMSSD and increasing subjective anxiety and arousal while decreasing valence and perceived control. The system was well tolerated, with low cybersickness, acceptable comfort with wearable sensors, and sufficient presence to support emotional engagement. Participant feedback informed concrete design improvements, establishing a foundation for future clinical testing of contrast-based VR interventions for GAD.
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