Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of VR in prison
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Virtual Reality Mindfulness in the Prison System
IRAS ID
305288
Contact name
Fabio Tartarini
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
HMP Hewell
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 20 days
Research summary
This research aims to evaluate the efficacy of delivering a mindfulness intervention using Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets. Mindfulness is a calming practice with positive effects on well-being: through bespoken exercises, it induces an awareness of body, mind, and feelings in the present moment. An increasing body of research is demonstrating its positive effects on both the general population and prison populations.
Given the potentially detrimental effects of imprisonment on prisoners, together with the restrictions associated with the COVID pandemic, this research proposes delivering a Mindfulness programme through VR Headsets.
VR headsets eliminate the need for close face-to-face contact between prisoners and practitioners, considerably reducing the risk of contagion while delivering an intervention to improve levels of well-being.
This research will evaluate three different aims: the feasibility of such programme within prisons; the extent to which the delivery of Mindfulness via VR headsets is accepted by prisoners; the effects of such programme on prisoners’ well-being and behaviour.Following the academic and clinical research evidence, it is possible to anticipate a series of benefits for both prisoners and the establishment. This approach can lead to essential improvements in prisoners’ mental health and reduce incidents of violence and self-harm.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EE/0230
Date of REC Opinion
20 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion