A Virtual Solution for Fear of Heights

With the project 'use of virtual reality (VR) in the treatment of fear of heights', prepared within VR1 BAU, Türkiye's first university investment in the field of virtual reality, a virtual solution is being sought for fear of heights.

The study, which is among the projects being prepared for implementation within VR1 BAU, established last year at BAU Galata Campus in cooperation with Bahçeşehir University (BAU) and CRYTEK, is still in the pilot stage. Explaining the details of the project, prepared to treat fear of heights using virtual reality, Bahçeşehir University Department of Psychology faculty member Dr. Türküler Aka said: "Fear of heights and other fears we encounter in our daily lives are part of our lives. Most of the time we can live by ignoring these fears. But sometimes these fears reach such proportions that the person may need treatment. There may be people who cannot travel because of a fear of flying."

"WE WANTED TO ACHIEVE A FIRST IN TÜRKİYE"

Stating that they have been researching treatment methods related to this, especially in the field of psychology, Aka said: "With the method we call exposure, the person is made to confront the object or situation they fear in the moment. When fear of flying or of cats and dogs is considered, applying this method can be difficult." Noting that, with the advancement of technology abroad, especially in the field of virtual reality, the idea of using this path in treating fears has emerged, Aka said: "Starting from this, we wanted to achieve a first in Türkiye. Since such a laboratory had been established within the university, we wanted to carry out a joint study, and we took fear of heights as our starting point."

HOW WILL THE IMPLEMENTATION STAGE WORK?

Giving information on how the study will be implemented, Aka said:

“"We have an elevator scenario. In this scenario, we can make individual adaptations. The person first enters the building and stands at the elevator door. Depending on the percentage of their fear, they can go up to the first, second or higher floors as they wish. The elevator is glass-clad, and you can see outside. So they can experience height by going to the edge of the glass and looking down. In this way, we planned to create a treatment plan covering about 20 minutes. We are currently in the pilot study stage. After these studies, we will see what is missing and what can be added. Then we will try to reach people who have a fear of heights but whose fear does not greatly affect their daily lives. After seeing the effects on them, we will try to treat the problem with people who experience serious difficulties in this regard."