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  • Effectiveness of virtual reality as a therapeutic intervention in eating disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis
    Publication . Zenha, Ricardo Teles; Fernandes, Carina
    Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect the way people think and feel about food, body image, and themselves. These disorders can be difficult to treat, and many individuals face challenges even after receiving traditional therapy. In recent years, Virtual Reality (VR) has been explored as a new tool to support psychological treatment in a more interactive and engaging way. This thesis aims to examine whether VR can be beneficial in the treatment of eating disorders. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted, along with a meta-analysis. Fourteen studies were included in the review, and three provided results suitable for statistical analysis. The findings indicated that incorporating VR into therapy can lead to positive outcomes and may enhance certain aspects of treatment when compared to traditional methods alone. The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant effects of VR interventions in reducing binge eating behaviours (Hedges’ g = -0.81, 95% CI [-1.48, -0.14], p = .017) and improving body satisfaction (Hedges’ g = -0.82, 95% CI [-1.38, -0.26], p = .004), both with low to moderate heterogeneity. In contrast, no significant effect was found for purging behaviours (Hedges’ g = 0.78, 95% CI [-2.39, 3.95], p = .630), and heterogeneity in this outcome was high. These results suggest that VR may serve as a valuable adjunct to conventional therapy, particularly in addressing binge eating and body image dissatisfaction. Taken together, the evidence points to the potential of VR as an innovative and promising complement to existing treatment approaches for eating disorders. Nevertheless, further research is required to establish standardized VR protocols and evaluate their long-term effectiveness across more diverse populations. It may open new avenues to support individuals through more modern and immersive therapeutic experiences.
    2025-09-02Master thesis Embargoed access Show more