Sweden: Virtual reality-assisted treatment of aggression for incarcerated violent offenders

This project implemented and evaluated Virtual Reality Aggression Prevention Training (VRAPT), a VR-assisted treatment of reactive aggression problems (Klein Tuente et al., 2018, 2020), in a sample of imprisoned violent offenders in Sweden. VRAPT includes techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with a focus on skills training, emotion regulation and relaxation techniques. The goal in VRAPT is to improve violent offenders’ ability to manage provocative situations without acting violently, thereby reducing the risk of reactive aggression and recidivism in violent crime. VRAPT consists of 16 individual treatment sessions, conducted 1–2 times a week and comprises problem conceptualization, mapping of risk situations and learning and skills training of management of emotion regulation and social problem-solving skills. During all sessions, assessment and skills training in immersive virtual environments are applied, where the offender in real time is guided by a therapist through different social situations in VR, tailored to his/her risk-needs-responsivity profile.

The Swedish project ‘Virtual reality-assisted treatment of aggression for incarcerated violent offenders’ was applauded by the Jury for its innovative virtual reality technology. They commended that it serves as a method to involve a lot of participants and offer them personalised training environments. Additionally, the focus on skill and emotion-regulation is important as it is a prevalent risk factor. However, the Jury questioned whether, due to the small sample size, sufficient information available on the effects of the initiative. Particularly, regarding potential replication, more outcome evaluations are necessary, as well as extended information on the cost and implementation of the project.