Exploring an Extended Reality Floatation Tank Experience to Reduce the Fear of Being in Water

• DOI: 10.1145/3613904.3642285
• Publication Date: 2024-05-11T08:38:06Z
• Authors: Maria F. Montoya; Hannah Qiao; Prasanth Sasikumar; Don Samitha Elvit...; Sarah Jane Pell; Suranga Nanayakkara; Florian ‘Floyd’ M...
• Keywords: Phobias; Virtual water; Metaverse

People with a fear of being in water rarely engage activities and hence miss out on the associated health benefits. Prior research suggested virtual exposure to treat fears. However, when it comes water, might not capture water's immersive qualities, while real can pose safety risks. We propose extended reality combine both advantages: conducted study (N=12) where participants interacted playful water-inspired worlds floating inside floatation tank. Our findings, supported quantitatively by heart rate variability qualitatively interviews, suggest that could mitigate responses an entertaining way. also present insights for design future systems aim help people other phobias using best physical worlds.