A Comparative Analysis Of The Application Of Virtual Reality In Third-Wave Psychotherapies Acceptance And Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, And Mindfulness-Based Therapies In Virtual Environments

This study presents a comparative analysis of the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology into three major third-wave psychotherapies: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs). As immersive technologies gain traction in psychological practice, understanding their distinct applications across therapeutic models becomes increasingly important. A qualitative methodology was employed, including a systematic literature review of ۳۹ empirical studies, expert interviews with clinicians, and a technical evaluation of widely used VR therapy platforms. Findings indicate that VR enhances therapeutic engagement, emotional processing, and skill acquisition across all three modalities, though in modality-specific ways. ACT implementations favored metaphor-based simulations supporting cognitive defusion and values clarification. DBT-focused VR programs utilized interactive role-play scenarios to reinforce emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. MBIs employed immersive meditative environments that deepened mindfulness practice and reduced stress. Moreover, machine learning components embedded within VR platforms enabled real-time personalization and adaptive feedback. Despite strong clinical potential, technical limitations such as cybersickness, cost, and therapist training were reported. The study concludes that VR represents a powerful adjunct to third-wave therapies, capable of expanding access, personalizing interventions, and strengthening experiential learning. Future research should pursue standardized frameworks for therapy-specific VR design, integration of AI for adaptive delivery, and clinical training protocols to maximize therapeutic impact while mitigating risks.

کلیدواژه ها:

Virtual Reality Psychotherapy ، Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ، Dialectical Behavior Therapy ، Mindfulness-Based Interventions