Project Corvus: A Virtual Reality Horror Tool for Improving Self-Efficacy
Heyongyan He, Christopher Changmok Kim, Yun Suen Pai, Kouta Minamizawa · 2023
Horror is often associated with a negative connotation. Yet, in today’s popular culture, the benefits of thrills have become an engaging topic. Why are people drawn to the supposedly repulsive contents of horror? It is an inherent psychological trait we all possess called morbid curiosity. Can we better investigate this behavior towards horror to confront our fears and help us build confidence? In Project Corvus, we explore the ways in which virtual reality (VR) and psychological programs such as exposure therapy can be combined to inform the psycho-educational opportunities in this horror-themed direction. More specifically, to leverage people’s morbid curiosity towards horror for the development of self-efficacy. Through short repetition of horror virtual experiences, the goal is to design an assistive program that can help the participants develop their skills in controlling their emotions even when facing real crises in the future.