The effect of virtual reality spiritual emotional freedom technique (Vr-seft) therapy on anxiety and cortisol in drug patients in Makassar class I state detention center

Drug abuse is a global problem that is increasing every year. Various previous studies have described the magnitude of psychological disorders and the impact of drug use as quite serious. Nonpharmacological measures such as spiritual direction are stated to reduce anxiety and depression in drug treatment patients significantly. Virtual Reality Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique (VR-SEFT) is designed based on SEFT theory applied to interactive visualization of virtual environments. This study aims to determine the effect of VR-SEFT therapy on anxiety and cortisol hormone levels in drug patients at Makassar Class I State Prison. This research employs a quasi-experimental methodology utilizing a control group design with both pre-test and post-test assessments. The analysis was carried out on 66 respondents who were divided into 2 groups, 33 intervention group respondents and 33 control groups in Makassar Class I State Detention Center selected using consecutive sampling. The intervention group given VR-SEFT was carried out for eight weeks with 24 meetings. Each intervention was 15-20 minutes, while the control group was assigned standard rehabilitation care. HRS-A measured fatigue in both groups, and the ELISA method measured cortisol hormone levels. The median values of anxiety and cortisol in both groups before SEFT therapy showed a tending score, but after treatment, it was known that the intervention group given VR-SEFT therapy experienced a significant decrease in anxiety scores (mean rank = 32.73) and cortisol (mean rank = 32.73) (p < 0.05) compared to anxiety scores (mean rank = 48.11) and cortisol (mean rank = 34.27) in the control group.  There is an effect of VR-SEFT on anxiety and cortisol hormone levels in drug patients at Makassar Class I State Detention Center.