Problem:
Background: Psychosis is often marked by paranoia, negative self- schemas, and diminished positive self- and interpersonal experience. Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) targets these difficulties by cultivating self-soothing, positive self-relating and strengthening attitudes. This pilot explored whether immersive Virtual Reality (VR) - designed to evoke awe and openness through an outer space scenario - could anchor CFT therapeutic content, relating to better outcomes in a CFT vs. an outer space control (astronomy-focused) education and VR. Methods: Forty-nine individuals with psychotic disorders were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions. Both engaged with the same space-based VR environment (moon surface, interactive nebula, Earth view) but received different psychoeducational and narrative framing (CFT vs. astronomy-focused). State measures of paranoia, self-criticism, negative affect, self-compassion, connection, self-esteem, and positive affect were assessed at baseline, post-education, and post-VR. Results: Both interventions led to large, significant improvements across outcomes. Exploratory analyses indicated added benefit of the CFT-framing in reducing hated self-criticism and increasing self- esteem. The VR was well tolerated, and participants across groups reported high subjective benefit. Discussion: Emotionally rich, immersive VR may serve as a vehicle to anchor alternative, positive (self-) experiences. Leveraging the overview effect and awe-inducing contexts may enhance therapeutic openness - especially when combined with a compassion-based framing. Need Assignment Help?