My Voice, My Choice Training
Teen girls report less victimization after èƵapp's “My Voice, My Choice” immersive virtual reality environment training program.
Teen girls were less likely to report being sexually victimized after learning to assertively resist unwanted sexual overtures and practicing resistance in a realistic virtual environment, finds a new study. These findings were featured by reporter Margaret Allen.
"Participants in the “My Voice, My Choice” program practiced saying “no” to unwanted sexual advances in an immersive virtual reality environment. The effects persisted over a three-month period following the training, said clinical psychologist , lead author on the pilot study from Southern Methodist University, Dallas. The research also found that those girls who had previously experienced dating violence reported lower levels of psychological aggression and psychological distress after completing the program, relative to girls in a comparison group." — Article Excerpt
Simpson Rowe, an associate professor and graduate program co-director in the èƵapp , said that the virtual simulations allow girls to practice being assertive in a realistic environment to increase the likelihood that they will use the skills in real life.
The VR simulation utilizes a software program developed in conjunction with èƵapp Guildhall.
“One advantage the virtual simulations offer is the ability to actually observe whether, and how, the girls are using the skills in coercive situations that feel very real,” McDonald said. “This provides girls with opportunities for immediate feedback and accelerated learning, and for facilitators to easily spot areas in need of further strengthening. The value of this advantage can’t be overstated.”
The researchers reported their findings, “,” in the journal Behavior Therapy. The article is published online in advance of print at .