
Virtual Reality (VR) and its use are still in their infancy but show great promise in terms of scientific progress. In this article, we will explore how the human-animal relationship interacts with it. First, we will demonstrate how virtual reality is advancing the study of animals and the interaction between humans and animals. Then, we will show how VR helps treat discomfort caused by specific phobias, particularly those related to certain animals. Finally, we will establish that VR can simulate interactions between humans and animals in a therapeutic and public health context.
Virtual Reality Advances the Study of Animals and Human-Animal Interaction
One of the main advantages of virtual reality is the ability to recreate situations or objects for various purposes (therapeutic or educational). In this way, scientists and students in ethology – the study of animal behavior in their natural environment – can observe artificially recreated animal behaviors and situations through VR. Similarly, they can study conditions that would be difficult to find in real life.
Thus, researchers can gain insights into how humans and animals interact with each other. After exploring how virtual reality helps researchers understand human-animal interactions, we will show how VR supports the treatment of phobias, particularly animal-related ones.
How VR Can Treat Animal Phobias in Humans
The effectiveness of virtual reality in treating phobias is well-established. For instance, patients with vertigo are able to virtually jump into the void, as stated by Stéphane Bouchard, holder of the Canada Research Chair in Cyberpsychology. Virtual Reality images can help individuals with animal phobias manage their anxieties more effectively.
For example, arachnophobes can tame their terror through therapy conducted by Professor Andreas Mühlberger from the University of Regensburg, Germany. After a week of work, he can have phobic individuals touch tarantulas. The methods, reasoning, and results applied in cases of claustrophobia can be transferred to treat animal-related phobias (cognitive-behavioral therapy, five therapy sessions with patients).
If VR helps phobic patients manage their fears, it is also a useful tool for treating people with cognitive and/or psychological difficulties.
Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Method
Some therapeutic practices involve animals. In virtual reality, the real sensations experienced with animals can be recreated in the absence of the living creature and provide the same benefits. The emotional benefits of equine therapy are well-established in cases of mental, cognitive disabilities, and autism. If a person seeking such therapy is unable to access equestrian centers, VR can serve as an alternative solution.
Furthermore, virtual reality can be a valuable support for individuals in an anxious state that would prevent them from engaging in therapy effectively. Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) or therapies for non-animal phobias – such as claustrophobia and agoraphobia – are made more effective through VR, which creates calm, healing environments.
Thus, we have observed that VR is a valuable asset for simulating environments, interactions, and situations involving animals. These experiences have emotional, therapeutic, or situational benefits.
Rahima Aït Hamouda, "Mademoiselle Belmirette"
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