AUTHOR=Marques Antonio J. , Gomes Veloso Paulo , Araújo Margarida , de Almeida Raquel Simões , Correia António , Pereira Javier , Queiros Cristina , Pimenta Rui , Pereira Anabela S. , Silva Carlos F. 

TITLE=Impact of a Virtual Reality-Based Simulation on Empathy and Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.814984

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2022.814984

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Virtual Reality has been identified as one of the most promising resources for developing empathy towards stigmatized groups since it allows individuals to experience a situation close to reality from another person's perspective.
This quasi-experimental study aimed to analyze the impact of a virtual reality program on promoting empathy towards individuals who have schizophrenia. The sample consisted of 102 higher education health students, distributed by the experimental and control groups. The program's impact was measured by completing several questionnaires regarding levels of empathy, attitudes, and knowledge about mental health.
The results obtained revealed increased levels of empathy and more positive attitudes towards people with schizophrenia in the group exposed to the virtual reality environment.  
Thus, virtual reality could be an educational approach used to promote positive attitudes and empathy towards schizophrenia.