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A Multi-Perspective Validation of a Gamified Virtual Reality Platform Translating CBT-Informed Techniques

Lookup NU author(s): Mashael Bin Sabbar, Dr Gary Ushaw, Dr Rich Davison

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

© 2026 by the authors.Virtual reality (VR) has increasingly been explored to support mental health interventions, including those informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). However, many VR-based CBT systems report limited usability evaluation and minimal practitioner involvement, raising questions about their applicability beyond clinical settings. This study aimed to conduct a usability-focused validation of a gamified VR platform translating selected CBT-informed techniques for non-clinical use. Selected CBT techniques were implemented as short VR mini-games guided by a design rationale emphasising simplicity, symbolic interaction, and ease of use. A user study involving 58 university students evaluated usability using the System Usability Scale (SUS), ISO 9241-11-informed usability categories, and brief anxiety-related self-report measures. In addition, three psychological practitioners reviewed the platform and assessed therapeutic coherence and design alignment. Findings demonstrated good overall usability, positive immediate experiential responses, and practitioner support for the platform’s therapeutic coherence and suitability as a supportive digital wellbeing tool. The study demonstrates a structured usability-based validation approach for VR systems translating CBT-informed techniques and offers practical guidance for the design and evaluation of immersive mental health technologies.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Bin Sabbar M, Ushaw G, Davison R

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Multimodal Technologies and Interaction

Year: 2026

Volume: 10

Issue: 8

Online publication date: 24/07/2026

Acceptance date: 22/07/2026

Date deposited: 07/09/2026

ISSN (electronic): 2414-4088

Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/mti10080078

DOI: 10.3390/mti10080078

Data Access Statement: The data supporting the findings of this study are not publicly avail able due to ethical restrictions related to participant confidentiality. The data contain information collected from human participants and were approved for use under institutional ethical approval. Anonymised data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to ethical approval and institutional data access restrictions.

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