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The Role of Virtual Reality as a Psychological Intervention for Mental Health Disturbances during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

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  • Muhammad Hizri Hatta

    (Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia)

  • Hatta Sidi

    (Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia)

  • Shalisah Sharip

    (Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia)

  • Srijit Das

    (Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoud, Muscat 123, Oman)

  • Suriati Mohamed Saini

    (Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the world and created many problems. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in mortality and morbidity, including mental health problems. Around the world, the movement control order (MCO) was strictly enforced, but the spread of the infection epidemic was still rampant. The magnitude of the increase in mental health illnesses has caused many individuals to suffer. Given that face-to-face interventions are challenging to carry out during an outbreak, we need to address this critical problem through an online approach, such as virtual reality (VR). This approach is vital to helping patients deal with their existing problems in more pragmatic, practical, and customer-friendly ways. Thus, in the present review, we proposed the development of a virtual digital device for this noble purpose. Various challenges, improvements, and expectations for VR applications were outlined and discussed in this narrative review.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Hizri Hatta & Hatta Sidi & Shalisah Sharip & Srijit Das & Suriati Mohamed Saini, 2022. "The Role of Virtual Reality as a Psychological Intervention for Mental Health Disturbances during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2390-:d:753161
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emad Alyan & Theo Combe & Dayang Rohaya Awang Rambli & Suziah Sulaiman & Frederic Merienne & Nadia Diyana Mohd Muhaiyuddin, 2021. "The Influence of Virtual Forest Walk on Physiological and Psychological Responses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Yang, Ting & Lai, Ivan Ka Wai & Fan, Zhao Bin & Mo, Qing Min, 2021. "The impact of a 360° virtual tour on the reduction of psychological stress caused by COVID-19," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    3. Kim, Myung Ja & Hall, C. Michael, 2019. "A hedonic motivation model in virtual reality tourism: Comparing visitors and non-visitors," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 236-249.
    4. Sheela Sundarasen & Karuthan Chinna & Kamilah Kamaludin & Mohammad Nurunnabi & Gul Mohammad Baloch & Heba Bakr Khoshaim & Syed Far Abid Hossain & Areej Sukayt, 2020. "Psychological Impact of COVID-19 and Lockdown among University Students in Malaysia: Implications and Policy Recommendations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-13, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Muhammad Hizri Hatta & Hatta Sidi & Chong Siew Koon & Nur Aishah Che Roos & Shalisah Sharip & Farah Deena Abdul Samad & Ong Wan Xi & Srijit Das & Suriati Mohamed Saini, 2022. "Virtual Reality (VR) Technology for Treatment of Mental Health Problems during COVID-19: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-14, April.

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