Grant Details
Grant Number: |
3R43CA074603-01A1S1 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Nemire, Kenneth |
Organization: |
Interface Technologies Corporation |
Project Title: |
Smoking Prevention with Virtual Reality |
Fiscal Year: |
1999 |
Abstract
Goals. This project will develop and evaluate an immersive virtual
environment, MetaWorldsTM, that will employ cognitive-behavioral
techniques (Life Skills Training) to help prevent tobacco use by
adolescents. Using head-mounted displays, teens will experience
dynamic, 3D, multisensory representations of educational modules
utilizing Life Skills Training to combat tobacco risks in a game format.
Projected goals include large scale integration of MetaWorlds into
schools and clinics and for long-term follow up to determine the
stability of outcomes. Design. Participating teens will be randomly
assigned to one of three groups. Members of the treatment group will
use MetaWorldsTM for eight 50-minute sessions. Members of one control
group will participate in eight 50-minute group counseling sessions on
cognitive-behavioral skills. Members of the second control group will
be on a waiting list. Physiological measures, subjective ratings, and
individual recorded interviews will be used to assess the effectiveness
of the intervention for preventing smoking onset. Innovation. This is
the first application to integrate cognitive-behavioral techniques
related to smoking prevention with immersive virtual environment
technology, and provide empirical data on how advanced technology can
improve health behaviors.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION
MetaWorldsTM is an immersive VE that helps teens acquire cognitive-
behavioral skills to prevent the use of tobacco products. MetaWorlds
is based on powerful, low-cost computer systems developed for
entertainment, so the hardware is affordable and widely available. The
primary market includes schools and clinics, with secondary markets in
therapists' offices and homes.
Publications
None. See parent grant details.