A Mobile Healing Program Using Virtual Reality for Sexual Violence Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Many young women suffer from sexual violence, but few practice self-healing activities. Aims This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effects of a mobile virtual intervention, Sister, I will tell you!(c), to heal young women after sexual violence in South Korea. Methods A mobile virtual intervention, Sister, I will tell you!(c), was developed based on a literature review and preliminary studies. In collaboration with sexual violence survivors and experts, eight modules for reflective writing and six modules for mindfulness meditation were included in this 4-week mobile virtual intervention. Thirty-four female sexual violence survivors were randomly assigned to either experimental (n = 19) or control groups (n = 15). The experimental group practiced reflective writing and mindfulness meditation, guided by the mobile virtual intervention. The control group practiced audio-guided mindfulness meditation. Pretest, posttest, and post-4-week evaluations with standardized instruments measured perceived support, negative impact from sexual violence, and suicidal ideation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze survey data and content analysis to analyze reflective writing. Results Among 34 enrolled participants, 26 completed the 4-week intervention and posttest evaluations; 24 completed post-4-week evaluations. Significant improvements were found among participants in the areas of perceived support, negative impact from sexual violence, and suicidal ideation. The effect size of the intervention was moderate. Four themes that emerged from reflective writings were objectifying sexual violence, healing beginning with action, confronting issues, and sharing experiences. Linking Evidence to Action The intervention showed potential for initiating young women's engagement in healing from sexual violence. A simple mobile audio intervention without human interaction could benefit sexual violence survivors.