Immersive VRcreates interactive computer-generated worldsthat expose users to sensory perceptions that mimic those experienced in the real world.
However, research on the use of VR in sex therapyis still in its infancy.
Sexual aversion isthe experience of fear, disgust, and avoidance when exposed to sexual cues and contexts.
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This data suggest that sexual aversion is as common asdepression and anxiety disorders.
Our own findings, not yet published, show that VR can help withintimacy-related fears and anxiety.
Treatment for sexual aversion involvescontrolled, progressive, and repeated exposureto anxiety-provoking sexual contexts.
Individuals in treatment could then apply these learnings to real-world intimate situations.
Throughout the scenes, participants were gradually exposed to the characters flirting, nudity, masturbation, and orgasm.
Our findings suggest VR could represent a promising avenue for treating sexual aversion.
Sexually aversive and avoidant individuals reported more disgust and anxiety than non-aversive participants in response to the simulation.
And the more the scenes were sexually explicit, the higher the participants levels of disgust and anxiety.
These results suggest that the virtual environment adequately replicated real-life contexts that would typically induce sexual aversion.
This could help to alleviate distress and support positive and rewarding erotic encounters in real-life options.
Applications of VR in sex therapy will be profoundly shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence.
