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Cited by 5Virtual Reality Applications and ImpactsDigital Mental Health InterventionsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

A review of virtual reality and serious games within cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder

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Pattiasina, Timothy John, Ar Rosyid, Harits, Handayani, Anik Nur, Junaedi, Hartarto, Trianto, Edwin Meinardi·2024·Jurnal Pekommas
DOI 10.56873/jpkm.v9i1.5317
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Abstract

This literature review discusses efforts to enhance cognitive behavioral therapy in addressing social phobia, such as social anxiety disorder, by utilizing serious games and virtual reality exposure therapy. In the worldwide context of the COVID-19 outbreak, conventional cognitive behavioral therapy faces significant challenges, prompting practitioners and researchers to seek innovative e solutions. During the conducted literature review, several research articles were identified that explore the utilization of virtual reality exposure therapy and serious games within the stages of cognitive behavioral therapy. Using the PICOC method and software such as Publish or Perish, Zotero, and VOSViewer, 30 journal articles have been obtained, indicating that virtual reality exposure therapy and serious games can enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy. However, there are clear signs suggesting that integrating virtual reality (VR) technology and serious games on smartphones into the cognitive behavioral therapy process could offer a promising avenue for new research. This approach may help address the challenges brought about by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with social anxiety disorder, particularly in Indonesia. Although further research and therapy adaptation according to the cultural context in Indonesia are needed, this development offers new research opportunities as an alternative therapeutic approach with significant advancements in addressing social anxiety disorder.

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  • Employing AR technology for contextualized exposure positively influences patients by promoting their coping efficacy and enhancing their positivity for self-directed therapeutic practice.

    “Employing AR technology for contextualized exposure positively influences patients by promoting their coping efficacy and enhancing their positivity for self-directed therapeutic practice [35].”

    From Advancing Undergraduate Student Mental Healthcare of Social Anxiety Disorder: Evaluating the Acceptance of AR-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Through TAM-Based Constructs. (2026) · cites this paper as [35]

    The review’s discussion of Article A11 reports that self-directed virtual reality exposure may reduce social anxiety symptoms, and the Introduction describes VR exposure as helping people face fears in a controlled setting (page numbers unavailable). These passages support a related therapeutic benefit, but they concern VR rather than AR and do not report improved coping efficacy or a more positive attitude toward self-directed practice. (LLM, conf=0.82)

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Research works printed but not linked: 36

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Authors
Pattiasina, T. J., Ar Rosyid, H., Handayani, A. N., Junaedi, H., & Trianto, E. M.
Affiliations
  • State University of Malang (ID)
  • Institut Sains dan Teknologi Terpadu Surabaya (ID)
  • Institut Informatika Indonesia (ID)
ORCID
Venue
Jurnal Pekommas
Publisher
Sekolah Tinggi Multi Media Yogyakarta
Published
2024-06-20
Volume
9
Issue
1
Pages
93-108
ISSN
  • 2502-1893 (ISSN-L)
  • 2502-1907
DOI
10.56873/jpkm.v9i1.5317
OpenAlex
W4402482557
Cited by
5
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1
FWCI
1.49
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Jurnal Pekommas (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords
virtual reality exposure therapy, serious games, cognitive behavioral therapy, social anxiety disorder, COVID-19 pandemic, digital mental health interventions

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