Attitudes towards virtual reality usage in exposure treatment: Data from German practitioners and how a demonstration changes them.

Background: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is well applicable within the framework of cognitive-behavioural anxiety treatment, yet its acceptance and implementation in psychotherapeutic practice remain unclear. This study assessed VRET-related attitudes among German psychotherapists and the impact of a brief demonstration on their intention to use VRET.

Methods: The study involved an online survey (N = 140) and an optional on-site scenario demonstration (n = 45). Self-reported attitudes, experience rates, and Usage Intention were assessed. Predictors of Usage Intention were identified via hierarchical multiple regression. A linear mixed model estimated the demonstration's effect on Usage Intention.

Results: Only 7.9% of participants reported at least occasional VR use in practice. A majority (78.7%) indicated a generally positive attitude towards VRET. While 77.9% participants could imagine integrating VRET into their work, only 20.0% reported intending to do so in the next year. Usage Intention was predicted by Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions, increasing significantly (d = 1.50) from screening to post-demonstration.

Conclusion: Despite their interest in VR, VRET implementation among German psychotherapists' remains low. The substantial impact of hands-on demonstrations indicates the potential of experiential education programmes in promoting early-stage dissemination.