Virtual reality pilot program shows promise for preventing substance misuse and violence among university students

New research from Kenneth Griffin, a professor in the Department of Global and Community Health, shows that the virtual reality (VR) program helps students handle complex social situations. This success has led to a new research grant to continue the study.

Health-risk behaviors such as binge drinking, drug use, and violence are common among college students. These issues are especially prevalent among first-year students living away from their families for the first time. According to the American Addiction Centers, nearly half of all college students would qualify for at least one substance use disorder.

A pilot and feasibility study by Kenneth W. Griffin and colleagues found that using VR technology to prevent substance misuse and violence is both feasible and engaging. 100% of participants agreed that the program could be implemented on college campuses.

“VR for reducing adolescent risk behaviors is an emerging area of research, focusing mostly on developing VR modules that are appealing and feasible,” Griffin explains. “This study is novel in that it examines the viability of VR technology to provide virtual role-play and skills practice opportunities to supplement an existing evidence-based drug and violence prevention approach.”

VR has been shown to help treat mental health conditions like anxiety, phobias, and PTSD. Griffin and colleagues are testing whether this technology can effectively prevent substance misuse and violence.

In the pilot study, researchers developed a series of VR modules that put users in different virtual social situations. For example, participants might witness someone being drugged at a party or see a classmate cheating. In choosing the best response for each situation, they practice cognitive-behavioral skills for preventing risk behaviors with their virtual peers. These skills may include assertive communication, negotiation, compromise, conflict resolution, or bystander intervention strategies. The VR sessions supplemented online e-learning modules lessons based on the LifeSkills Training program.

Before and after the training, participants took the same assessment. Results showed improved decision-making and stronger anti-violence attitudes.

Due to the program’s success, the research team secured additional grant funding from the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Griffin emphasizes the need for more research. “While VR may be a useful tool for reducing youth health risk behaviors, more rigorous controlled trials are needed to determine whether VR technologies can produce behavioral outcomes and the duration of these effects. The new funding will allow us to conduct a rigorous test of this innovative technology for preventing substance misuse and violence among university students.” Griffin says.

The study dovetails with the College of Public Health’s commitment to harnessing the power of immersive technologies to improve health and health education. The College is home to the Center for Immersive Technologies and Simulation. There, students are trained to use VR in nursing, social work, health administration, and public health. Griffin’s study was not conducted in this Center.

“Using virtual reality technology to prevent substance misuse and violence among university students: A pilot and feasibility study” was published in Health Informatics Journal in October 2024. The study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and developed in collaboration with National Health Promotion Associates (NHPA), a research and development company that developed and markets the LifeSkills Training program. Griffin, a former employee and current consultant with NHPA, worked closely with the team in this pilot and feasibility study of the VR modules.

Additional authors, all from NHPA, include: Gilbert J. Botvin, Weill Cornell Medical College; Christopher Williams, Purchase College, State University of New York; Sandra M. Sousa.