Monash University researchers are offering a new, immersive way to tackle aquaphobia with an innovative blend of technology and water. Their extended reality (XR) system, designed for individuals with a fear of being in water, combines virtual reality with floatation tanks, helping participants confront their anxieties in a controlled, playful environment.
Presented at this year’s Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) Conference, the study was led by the Exertion Games Lab at Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology. The system immerses users in water-based virtual worlds while they float in a tank, providing both visual and auditory stimulation through a VR headset. The clever part? The experience is fully interactive, with sensors measuring the participant’s heart rate, breathing, and head movements, allowing them to control the environment through their own body’s responses.
Maria Montoya, the lead researcher and PhD candidate, explains the aim: “People with a fear of water often miss out on enjoying recreational activities and can develop a severe fear of drowning. Our system is designed to ease that fear by offering a safe and engaging way to experience water.”
The XR system doesn’t just immerse participants in a virtual aquatic setting; it actively rewards them. The experience is structured as a journey, guided by a virtual character called the “water spirit,” who offers verbal support and encouragement. As participants progress through the virtual water worlds, they are gradually exposed to more challenging scenarios, helping them build comfort in the water.
The third stage of the experience takes things a step further, guiding participants skyward. Here, the “water spirit” helps them navigate through stormy cyclones, teaching them to control their heart rate to calm the virtual environment.
Designed for ease of use, the system allows for hands-free interaction, with sensors and microphones making it accessible for individuals with water-related anxiety. The focus remains on relaxation, with no need for complex movements while in the tank.
The study worked with twelve participants who self-identified as having a fear of water. Over six steps, the participants’ heart rates were measured before and during their time in the tank, both with and without the XR system. According to Professor Florian ‘Floyd’ Mueller, co-author of the study and Director of the Exertion Games Lab, the results showed a decrease in anxiety levels when the XR system was in use. “The heart rate variability index indicated that participants were less anxious when engaged with the XR system compared to when they were simply floating in the tank,” he said.
The team hopes their findings will encourage further exploration into using extended reality systems to help manage aquaphobia, as well as other phobias. The researchers are now turning their attention to designing a system tailored for surfers and para-surfers, with a preliminary study in the works.
The study, led by Monash University in collaboration with researchers from the National University of Singapore, was supported by an ARC Discovery grant. If you’re interested in participating in the next phase of their research, visit their project website.
Both Maria Montoya and Professor Mueller are available for interviews to discuss their work and the potential impact of this innovative approach to phobia management.
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