VALIDATION OF HYBRID MODEL FOR IMAGE-BASED VIRTUAL REALITY IN SELF-THERAPY THROUGH EXPERT REVIEW METHOD

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is a tool that can induce a sense of presence in the user. It has been proven effective in reducing psychological stress. Traditionally, one of the psychotherapy techniques for managing stress is Guided Imagery Therapy (GIT). There are situations where clients have difficulties imagining the scenarios during the GIT session. VR can be an alternative solution that presents virtual calm scenarios to relieve stress, instead of using imagination.  Hence, this study aims to propose a model for Image-based VR (IBVR) that hybridises the Spatial Presence Model (SPM) and GIT for self-therapy. The proposed hybrid model was developed through a model design and validated through the expert review. The results of the expert review indicated the need for improvement in terms of detailing the elements and descriptions, as well as the representation of relationships of the components. The revised hybrid model exhibits more relevancies of the elements and components, as well as the readability and understandability of the proposed model. The hybrid model is expected to assist application designers and developers in creating an IBVR tool for self-therapy.