Virtual Reality Training for Depression and Low Positive Affect

This study is exploring if Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT) can help people with depression and low positive affect (difficulty experiencing positive emotions). VR-RT uses virtual reality experiences and guided memory exercises to help you better enjoy positive moments. We are comparing VR-RT to Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT), which uses virtual reality and memory exercises for neutral experiences. We want to see if VR-RT can improve your mood and other symptoms more effectively. You may be able to join if you are at least 18 years old, fluent in English, and meet certain scores on questionnaires related to depression and daily functioning. We are looking for 80 participants in total. The study will measure changes in your mood and positive feelings over 12 weeks.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing two virtual reality training methods. 80 participants will be randomly assigned to either Virtual Reality-Reward Training or Virtual Reality-Memory Training.
What's involved
Participants will engage in 7 weeks of either Virtual Reality-Reward Training or Virtual Reality-Memory Training. Assessments will occur at the start, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and at a 12-week follow-up.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 12 weeks after the start of the study, with a final assessment at Week 12.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07219875

Training Reward Responsiveness Through Virtual Reality

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 18+InterventionalTreatment
University of California, Los Angeles
~80 participants
Updated 2026-05-07 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT)Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
The Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire - Anhedonic Depression Subscale (MASQ-AD)
Measured over Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).
+1 more outcome measured
Positive Affect
Depression

NCT07219875

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, Californiastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

  • The Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire - Anhedonic Depression Subscale (MASQ-AD)Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).

    Change in reported anhedonia (score range: 14-70), with higher scores indicating greater anhedonic symptom severity

  • Positive Valence Systems Scale (PVSS-21)Change from Week 0 assessment to Post-Assessment (Week 8). Change from Week 0 assessment to Follow-Up (Week 12).

    Change in reward anticipation, motivation, and consumption for rewards such as rewards such as food, physical touch, positive feedback, social interactions, hobbies and goals (score range: 21-105). Higher scores (e.g. 105) indicate higher reward responsiveness.