Effects of desktop virtual reality environment training on state anxiety and vocational identity scores among persons with disabilities during job placement/job readiness activities

Abstract

This study examined how desktop virtual reality environment training (DVRET) affected state anxiety and vocational identity of vocational rehabilitation services consumers during job placement/job readiness activities.

It utilized a quantitative research model with a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design plus some qualitative descriptive techniques. A small purposive sample was used, comprising 8 individuals currently participating in the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services Project SEARCH job placement program.

Independent variables were the DVRET experimental treatment and the backgrounds and demographics of the subjects. Dependent variables were Modified Percent Gain Scores (MPGS) on the State Anxiety Inventory and the Vocational Identity (VI) sub-scale of the My Vocational Situation (MVS) Inventory.

Descriptive statistics, cross tabulations, independent sample t-tests, and correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. The DVRET presented significantly lower state anxiety and small but not significantly higher VI. Correlations indicated state anxiety and vocational identities were related. Post-treatment questionnaire comments showed the treatment group unanimously found pre-employment VR exploration was beneficial.

This study implies that desktop VR has promise in the vocational rehabilitation profession.