Compassion and Virtual Reality
About this research
Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used in educational sectors, clinical sectors, and beyond. However, there are important questions about how VR could be applied as a tool to promote wellbeing for autistic people. In this study, we are interested in understanding autistic adults' experience of a VR environment that we have created.
Who can participate
You're eligible to participate in this study if you:
- are over the age of 18
- identify as autistic, whether formally diagnosed or self-identifying
- are fluent in English
- have no history or current diagnosis of a major psychiatric or neurological illness
- have no physical disability that might impede your ability to use the technology
What's involved
Participants will:
- meet with a member of the research team to complete a testing session which includes answering questions about themselves
- then engage with a VR environment and complete a number of simple tasks, such as navigating a scenario and communicating with an avatar
- then answer some questions about their experience in the VR
The overall session should not exceed one (1) hour.
Benefits of participating
Participants will receive a $20 gift card.
How to participate
If you meet the eligibility criteria and you're interested in participating, register your interest.
Ethics, data collection and privacy
This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No.2025/HE001830].
Contact
If you have any questions contact Lachlan Greig l.greig@uq.edu.au