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Virtual Reality

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine

  • 182 Accesses

Synonyms

Artificial environment; Artificial intelligence; Computerized simulation; VR

Definition

Virtual reality is computer technology that approximates virtual worlds, allowing the user to explore and interact in a reality or a sci-fi environment. It may include augmentative devices like headsets or handsets, but some virtual reality is available solely on a desktop or laptop computer (e.g., Second Life). Well-known virtual reality programs include Sega VR, Google Street View, and Oculus Rift. For the purposes of behavioral medicine, virtual reality can be used to foster self-management, provide psychoeducation or exposure exercises, and practice behavioral skills.

Description

Virtual reality can include haptic systems, which send vibrations into the hands or body to create the illusion of grabbing, touching, or movement. The tactile information is frequently called force feedback. Some systems include multi-room displays, allowing the user to walk through space to explore and...

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References and Further Reading

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA

    Carly M. Goldstein

  2. Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Carly M. Goldstein & Stephanie P. Goldstein

Authors
  1. Carly M. Goldstein
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  2. Stephanie P. Goldstein
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carly M. Goldstein .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA

    Marc Gellman

Section Editor information

  1. Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Emily Lattie

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Goldstein, C.M., Goldstein, S.P. (2018). Virtual Reality. In: Gellman, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6439-6_101947-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6439-6_101947-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6439-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6439-6

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