A Virtual Reality Couples' Intervention for Sexual Victimization Prevention: a Gender-swapping Transformative Approach

Launched by UNIVERSITAT OBERTA DE CATALUNYA · Feb 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new program called REVISE, which uses virtual reality (VR) to help men understand and empathize with the experiences of survivors of sexual harassment. The goal is to see if stepping into the shoes of someone who has faced harassment can change how men think about gender roles and reduce their own harassment behaviors. Participants will be divided into three groups: one group will experience a VR scenario where they take on their partner's identity in a harassment situation, another group will do the same without any harassment, and the third group will simply observe a harassment scenario in VR.

To participate, couples need to be in a romantic relationship for at least six months, and both partners must be between 18 and 39 years old and able to read and write in Spanish. Participants will attend one VR session, answer questionnaires before and after the session, and share their thoughts in interviews. It's important to note that individuals with certain health conditions or a history of severe mental health issues may not be eligible to participate. This study aims to use the immersive experience of VR to promote understanding and positive behavior change regarding gender-based violence.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Participants must be between 18 and 39 years old.
• • Couples must have been in a romantic relationship for at least six months.
• • Both partners must provide explicit informed consent to participate.
• • Participants must be able to read and write in Spanish to ensure comprehension of the study materials.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with any physical condition that may hinder the use of VR equipment (e.g., epilepsy or severe motion sickness).
• • Individuals with a history of sexual harassment or problematic substance use, including drug or alcohol abuse.
• • Individuals experiencing significant mental health difficulties that require intensive treatment.
• • Participants with prior exposure to similar VR-based gender perspective-taking interventions.