Redesigning a VR Group Intervention to Support a Mentalising Stance in Professional Caregivers of People with Intellectual Disabilities

Authors

  • V.M.M. Andries Stichting Odion, The Netherlands
  • S.D.M. Derks Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • T.M.W. Doodeman Stichting Odion, The Netherlands
  • B. Boon Tilburg University; Academy Het Dorp, The Netherlands
  • C. Schuengel Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54337/aau.icdvrat26.40

Abstract

This paper presents the redesign of a virtual reality (VR) group intervention aimed at supporting professional caregivers’ mentalising stance during emotionally intense care interactions with people with intellectual disabilities. Prior to evaluating the intervention’s effectiveness, this study explores how the intervention can be adapted with and for professional caregivers. Therefore, professional caregivers assessed the previous and/or adapted VR group intervention and provided feedback on multiple occasions. This resulted in an adapted intervention featuring more engaging informational content on mentalisation prior to the VR interactions, more authentic VR interactions due to the transition from pre-scripted to AI-driven avatars, and better structured reflection sessions following each VR interaction to encourage shared learning.

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Published

14-09-2026

How to Cite

Andries, V., Derks, S., Doodeman, T., Boon, B., & Schuengel, C. (2026). Redesigning a VR Group Intervention to Support a Mentalising Stance in Professional Caregivers of People with Intellectual Disabilities. Proceedings of the International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality & Associated Technologies. https://doi.org/10.54337/aau.icdvrat26.40