Immersive Virtual Reality in Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Youth with Eating Disorders: A Pilot Study in a Rural Context

Technological innovation in immersive virtual reality is fostering the development of novel psychotherapeutic interventions in mental health, particularly benefiting populations with limited access to specialized services. This pilot study explores the feasibility, tolerability, and therapeutic potential of an immersive virtual reality-based psychotherapeutic intervention for adolescents and young people with eating disorders in a rural setting. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was used, with a control group (n = 5) and an experimental group (n = 5), applying weekly immersive virtual reality sessions focused on body perception and food exposure. Preliminary results showed good acceptance and a low incidence of cybersickness. However, a reduction in anxiety levels was observed in the experimental group after immersive virtual reality exposure, particularly in trait anxiety, suggesting a potential effect of the intervention on emotional regulation. While these changes were not statistically significant, the direction and magnitude of the effect warrant further investigation. Changes in body mass index were also noted during the intervention. The remotely guided sessions, conducted via fifth-generation mobile network connectivity, demonstrated technical feasibility and encouraging clinical outcomes, even in geographically isolated or underserved areas. These findings support the use of immersive VR as a complementary tool in the early stages of treatment for eating disorders, contributing to improved body perception and emotional self-regulation. This work not only reinforces the applicability of immersive technology in real-world clinical practice but also opens new avenues for the development of personalized, accessible, and emotionally meaningful interventions in child and adolescent mental health.