Virtual Reality Research Study
Researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio are conducting a study on adults with a history of trauma to explore how virtual reality art-making can support emotional regulation and personal growth.
Fast Facts
Have a History of Trauma
Adults 18+
Compensation
Available
Conducted in
San Antonio, TX
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Texas San Antonio are conducting a study with adults who have a history of trauma to understand how virtual reality art-making can help with emotional regulation, self-reflection, and personal growth.
Experiencing trauma can affect how people process emotions, regulate stress, and make meaning of their experiences. Traditional talk-based therapies do not always work for everyone, which is why researchers at the University of Texas San Antonio are exploring alternative approaches. This study investigates how virtual reality (VR) art-making can support emotional regulation, self-reflection, and personal growth in adults with a history of trauma. Participants will engage in creative VR experiences such as mandala coloring, abstract art-making, mask-making, and narrative art, designed to help them explore emotions, reconstruct identity, and envision new possibilities.
The goal of this research is to better understand the impact of VR art-making on emotional well-being and post-traumatic growth. Ultimately, the findings may help develop accessible, technology-based tools that complement traditional therapy and improve the quality of life for people who have experienced trauma.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Texas San Antonio are conducting a study with adults who have a history of trauma to understand how virtual reality art-making can help with emotional regulation, self-reflection, and personal growth.
Experiencing trauma can affect how people process emotions, regulate stress, and make meaning of their experiences. Traditional talk-based therapies do not always work for everyone, which is why researchers at the University of Texas San Antonio are exploring alternative approaches. This study investigates how virtual reality (VR) art-making can support emotional regulation, self-reflection, and personal growth in adults with a history of trauma. Participants will engage in creative VR experiences such as mandala coloring, abstract art-making, mask-making, and narrative art, designed to help them explore emotions, reconstruct identity, and envision new possibilities.
The goal of this research is to better understand the impact of VR art-making on emotional well-being and post-traumatic growth. Ultimately, the findings may help develop accessible, technology-based tools that complement traditional therapy and improve the quality of life for people who have experienced trauma.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are exploring how a history of trauma affects emotional processing, self-reflection, and personal growth. We aim to better understand how creative, immersive experiences—like virtual reality (VR) art-making—can support emotional regulation and post-traumatic growth. Trauma can influence the way people respond to stress, process emotions, and rebuild their sense of identity, and this study will measure these effects through structured VR activities.
We also want to see whether engaging in guided, creative VR experiences can help support emotional well-being, enhance personal insight, and foster resilience. To do this, we are using innovative VR art tasks that encourage emotional exploration, identity reconstruction, and envisioning new possibilities, providing a novel approach that may complement traditional therapy.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults with a history of trauma
- Able to use a virtual reality headset and controller
- Fluent in English
- Able to attend all study visits in San Antonio, TX
Exclusion Criteria:
- Severe uncorrected audio or visual impairments
- Seizure disorder
- Do not reside in San Antonio, TX
The study lasts approximately six weeks. Once enrolled, participation involves:
In the lab:
- Six visits at the research site in San Antonio, TX
- The first visit includes consent, brief surveys, and training on the virtual reality (VR) headset
- Five weekly VR sessions where you will complete guided art-making activities in VR, such as mandala coloring, abstract art, mask-making, and narrative art
- Each session lasts about 1–2 hours, with short surveys before and after to track emotions, trauma symptoms, and personal growth
You will receive compensation for participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.