Immersive Training on Metacognitive Capacities of Young People

Metacognitive abilities and self-knowledge are necessary for psychological maturation and good mental functioning of individuals. It is generally agreed that an adequate representation of oneself and others is essential to establish functional interpersonal relationships. These metacognitive abilities are not adequately developed in patients with various mental health problems, such as personality disorders, eating disorders, psychosis, and depression, and are associated with the severity of the pathology.

Self-awareness is a central element that begins to consolidate during adolescence. For that reason, the investigators aim to evaluate the effects of immersive training on the metacognitive abilities and self-knowledge of young people. Based on the repertory grid technique (RGT), our research team has developed a brief immersive training to enhance metacognitive abilities. This intervention facilitates the exploration of personal identity in a safe environment. Specifically, it is an immersion in the person's own world of meanings using Virtual Reality (VR), with the Explore Your Meanings (EYME) tool, a technological platform created to help mental health professionals to enhance the personal development and therapeutic change of their clients. Expected results include an increase in participants' self-concept clarity, metacognition, and reflective function as well as a deeper knowledge about their relationship with various aspects of self-knowledge and self-esteem.