Advancing virtual reality interventions for sexuality and related emotions: a systematic review

Improving sexuality remains an unresolved issue within society, and virtual reality (VR) holds promise as a tool to provide accessible interventions that promote sexual health, treat sexual disorders, and improve sexual-related variables, such as body image, sexual self-esteem, sexual communication or cognitive schemas. This systematic review explores existing VR interventions in sexuality, identifies constraints, and proposes an innovative metaverse-based approach to overcome these limitations. We independently sourced data from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, yielding 11,873 non-duplicate articles. After rigorous screening, eight studies were included. The papers were all published within the previous 24 years and consisted of psychological interventions conducted mostly with adults. These studies demonstrate VR's efficacy in improving sexuality, highlighting its potential as an optimal delivery platform for psychological interventions. However, current VR interventions have notable limitations, including a lack of patient empowerment, the exclusion of partners from the intervention, and the omission of fundamental psychological components essential for sexual well-being, such as body image. Much research remains therefore to be done in the field of VR interventions and sexuality. The Metaverse emerges as a promising solution to these challenges. This innovative approach could revolutionize the treatment landscape for sexual dysfunctions, making therapy more accessible and tailored to individual needs.