Effects of a Virtual Reality-Based Nursing Intervention Using the Roy Adaptation Model on Social Anxiety in Young Adults.

Purpose: To determine the effects of an innovative nursing practice approach based on the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) integrated with virtual reality (VR) on social anxiety levels among young adults.

Method: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 55 young adults aged 18 to 25 years. The intervention, based on the RAM, comprised six sessions focusing on psychoeducation, relaxation, and cognitive restructuring. VR was integrated into four of the sessions, aiming to simulate social situations and provide real-time feedback. Data were collected using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), and an individual introduction form, with pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements.

Results: LSAS scores indicated that the intervention had a significant positive impact on the experimental group regarding anxiety (F = 24.005, p < 0.001) and avoidance (F = 44.915, p < 0.001), as well as total scale scores. However, LSS scores revealed no significant differences between experimental and control groups (F = 0.429, p = 0.654).

Conclusion: Nursing interventions based on the VR-integrated RAM significantly reduced social anxiety among young adults. VR should be incorporated into nursing interventions to provide innovative, cost-effective therapy for patients, especially those with anxiety disorders. In addition, VR-focused training programs for nurses and inclusion of VR in nursing curricula could enhance nurses' skills in modern therapeutic approaches from the undergraduate level.