SCARED OF DOGS? VIRTUAL REALITY WON’T BITE

CONFRONTING fears in virtual reality could be the future of therapy, as Griffith University researchers look to treat children with dog phobias.

Aimed at the eight to 12 years age bracket, the therapy entails assessments across two months and an intensive three-hour treatment whereby participants are exposed to multiple types of dogs and changing scenarios.

Study leader and Masters of Psychology student Taka Miyamoto said they captured video footage of six dog breeds – doberman, english cocker spaniel, labradorcross-kelpie, rottweilercross-border collie, cavoodle and Japanese spitz.

“The treatment begins with one of the smaller dogs on the other side of the room. From there the distance between the child and dog will shorten until they’re up close,” he said. “Then we’ll expose them to footage of the dog running up to the camera.

“The last step is letting the dog off its leash and being alone in the room with the dogs.”

Mr Miyamoto said testers will assess the child’s anxiety at each step and “wait for the levels to halve before moving on”.

Mr Miyamoto said virtual reality provided a reasonable simulation for subjects, because sometimes the real thing can be impractical.

To take part, contact Taka on 0401 863182, or email taka.miyamoto@griffithuni.ed u.au or l.farrell@griffith.edu.au

Picture: GLENN HAMPSON Hamish Bruhn, 11, with his dog Sparky. Griffith University is looking for children for a new virtual reality study to help treat dog phobias.