Training Reward Responsiveness Through Virtual Reality
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phasePhase 2
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles
About this trial
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT) with an active control condition, Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT), on positive affect and other clinical symptoms.
VR-Reward Training is a novel intervention aimed at enhancing savoring of positive experiences among individuals with depression and low positive affect through guided imaginal recounting following immersion in positive VR experiences. The current study tests an enhanced version of this training using improved virtual reality technology.
Target enrollment is 80 participants with low positive affect, depression, and impaired functioning, who are at least 18 years old, who will be randomly assigned to 7 weeks of either Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT) or Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT). Participants will complete in-person VR sessions, laboratory assessments, self-report questionnaires as part of the study. A subset of 8 participants randomly assigned to VR-RT will complete fMRI scans and EMA surveys.
The total length of participation is around 3 months.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
At least 18 years old
Fluent in written and spoken English
Score on the DASS-21 depression subscale must be ≥ 8
Score on the PANAS-P of 27 or lower
Disqualifiers
Lifetime history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, mental retardation, or organic brain damage
Substance use disorder in the past 6 months
Current use of psychotropic medications
Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT)
BehavioralParticipants will complete verbal recounting (present-tense, field perspective, positive details) and guided imaginal recounting of positive details for rewarding VR experiences and positive autobiographical memories.
Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT)
BehavioralParticipants will complete verbal recounting (past-tense, observer perspective, objective details) and guided imaginal recounting of neutral details for neutral VR experiences and neutral non-personal stories
Treatment groups
80 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT)Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT)Active comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
The Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire - Anhedonic Depression Subscale (MASQ-AD)
Change in reported anhedonia (score range: 14-70), with higher scores indicating greater anhedonic symptom severity
Time frame
Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).2
Positive Valence Systems Scale (PVSS-21)
Change in reward anticipation, motivation, and consumption for rewards such as rewards such as food, physical touch, positive feedback, social interactions, hobbies and goals (score range: 21-105). Higher scores (e.g. 105) indicate higher reward responsiveness.
Time frame
Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).Secondary outcomes
1
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21)
Reported symptoms of depression (score range: 0-21), anxiety (score range: 0-21), and stress (score range: 0-21), higher scores indicate higher severity and frequency.
Time frame
Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).2
Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS)
Change in reported positive affect and negative affect (score range for each scale: 10-50, higher scores indicate higher levels of positive affect or negative affect) and will be measured weekly.
Time frame
Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).3
Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS-X)
The PANAS-X is a comprehensive measure comprised of 60 items assessing positive affect and negative affect. The PANAS-X will be administered at each assessment point
Time frame
Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).4
Responses to Positive Affect Questionnaire (RPA)
Change in rumination and dampening (Score range: 17-68). Higher scores indicate greater rumination and dampening.
Time frame
Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov