Facing yourself in a Virtual Reality-assisted perspective taking intervention: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Essi Sairanen^*Daniel Wallsten

• Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden

Introduction: People's self-narratives-how they relate to themselves and others-are closely intertwined with psychological suffering and well-being. This study investigates a perspective-taking intervention rooted in Relational Frame Theory (RFT), where participants observe themselves from an outside perspective in Virtual Reality (VR).Methods: Three participants watched 3D-filmed versions of themselves through a VR headset while reflecting on perspective-taking questions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Results: The intervention helped participants become more aware of their self-relating. They recognized how they internalized perceived judgments from others and how they adjusted their behavior accordingly. Self-critical tendencies and the double standards they applied to themselves versus others became more apparent, often evoking self-compassion. The intervention also revealed discrepancies between participants' internal and external views-that is, how they perceived themselves from the inside versus the outside.Discussion: These findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of this intervention, both for assessing and influencing self-relating.