Differential efficacy of imagery, virtual reality and 360° video exposure therapy in reducing test anxiety in university students: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Since test anxiety is a phenomenon that affects many students both academically and personally, this study presents an innovative exposure intervention based on 360° videos. Objectives: To reduce test anxiety among university students participating in a test anxiety management intervention program, to evaluate exposure therapy using 360° videos compared to other exposure therapies, and to assess participants satisfaction. Method: An applied experimental pre-post study was conducted using an inter-intra A-B design. Twenty university students participated in the study. Ten of them were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions; exposure with 360° videos (360), virtual reality (VR), and imagination (IM); while the remaining ten students constituted the control group. Four questionnaires were used as assessment tools to measure general state and trait anxiety (STAI), as well as state (CRAP) and trait (IAE) test anxiety. A satisfaction questionnaire was also administered. Results: A tendency of reduction in both general anxiety and test anxiety was observed in all participants. No significant differences were found between the three experimental conditions. All students reported high satisfaction scores with the intervention. Conclusions: Exposure through the three modalities appears to be both effective and well-accepted among students.