Monash University researchers are revolutionising how we approach aquaphobia with an inventive blend of virtual reality (VR) and water. Their extended reality (XR) system, showcased at the Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) Conference, offers a unique method for people with a fear of water to confront their anxieties in a safe, interactive environment.
The research, spearheaded by the Exertion Games Lab at Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology, brings together cutting-edge VR technology and the therapeutic properties of water. The system immerses participants in virtual water worlds, with a VR headset providing both visual and auditory stimuli as they float in a water-filled tank. What sets this experience apart is its interactivity—participants’ heart rate, breathing, and subtle head movements control their surroundings within the virtual environment.
For those grappling with a fear of water, simple tasks like swimming or participating in water sports can trigger intense anxiety, even a fear of drowning. Lead researcher and PhD candidate Maria Montoya explains that the system’s goal is to provide a supportive and engaging way to help individuals overcome these fears. “People with aquaphobia often miss out on enjoyable water-related activities and can develop a deep-seated fear of drowning. Our system is designed to help ease that fear by making water-based experiences safe, playful, and rewarding,” she said.
The heart of this immersive experience lies in its layered narrative, led by a virtual guide known as the “water spirit.” As participants float in the tank, the water spirit encourages them through a step-by-step journey across different virtual aquatic worlds. This character provides verbal support and reassurance, helping the participant stay calm and focused while they explore increasingly challenging water environments.
The system cleverly uses a form of gradual exposure, similar to traditional therapeutic methods used to treat phobias. Participants start off in a calm, serene water setting and progress to more dynamic environments. In the final stage, the experience becomes more intense—participants are guided skyward, navigating through stormy cyclones. At this point, the water spirit teaches them to manage their heart rate, which in turn calms the virtual storm. This control over their environment through physical responses builds both their confidence and comfort in being in the water.
The system’s design is intentional in being accessible, especially for those with anxiety around water. There are no complicated hand gestures or movements required—everything is controlled through the participant’s natural breathing, heart rate, and small head motions. This ensures that the experience remains relaxing and non-strenuous, reducing any pressure on the participant to perform actions while floating.
The study recruited twelve participants who self-identified as having a fear of water. Each person went through a series of six steps, starting with a baseline heart rate measurement while lying on a yoga mat, followed by floating in the tank without any technology. The final step introduced the XR system, with participants floating while wearing the VR headset. Their heart rates were monitored throughout to gauge their levels of anxiety.
Co-author Professor Florian ‘Floyd’ Mueller, Director of the Exertion Games Lab, noted that the results clearly showed a reduction in anxiety when participants used the XR system. “Our heart rate variability index indicated that participants tended to be less anxious while interacting with the XR system compared to when they were simply floating in the tank without any technology,” he shared. This measurable decrease in anxiety demonstrates the potential for this system to be used as a therapeutic tool, not only for aquaphobia but potentially for other phobias as well.
The implications of this research extend beyond aquaphobia. By creating an experience that blends relaxation with interactivity, the researchers hope to inspire further exploration into how extended reality systems can be used in therapeutic settings. Professor Mueller and Montoya envision a future where XR systems become a staple in mental health treatment, offering a new way for individuals to confront their fears in controlled and engaging environments.
While the current focus is on water-related fears, the research team is already looking ahead to the next phase of development. They are working on a system designed specifically for surfers and para-surfers, and are actively seeking participants for a preliminary study. This project will aim to support individuals in managing the anxieties that can arise during surfing, particularly for those with physical disabilities. It’s a continuation of their belief in the power of XR to create meaningful, therapeutic interactions that are both engaging and deeply personal.
This innovative approach to fear management has been supported by an ARC Discovery grant, in collaboration with researchers from the National University of Singapore. The success of the project at this stage opens up exciting possibilities for how technology can be used to tackle real-world challenges, particularly in mental health.
Maria Montoya and Professor Mueller remain available for interviews, keen to discuss how their work could be adapted and expanded. As they continue refining and developing their system, their hope is that other researchers, psychologists, and healthcare professionals will recognise the potential of XR as a tool for managing not only aquaphobia but other anxiety-inducing situations.
Their research brings a fresh perspective on the intersection of technology and mental health, showing that with a bit of ingenuity, even our deepest fears can be addressed in fun, interactive ways. If you’d like to be part of their next study or learn more about the project, details can be found on their website.
