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Mindfulness training in virtual reality for Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms: An analogue study

Yaren Chakmak, Crescent Jicol, Karin Petrini

Computers in Human Behavior July 4, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2026.109106 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 84
Population Participants with borderline personality disorder
Interventions Mindfulness training Virtual reality
Duration Single session in Study 1, three sessions in Study 2; one-week follow-up in Study 1, two-week follow-up in Study 2
Topics Meditation
Keywords Borderline personality disorder Virtual reality Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Training meteorology Applied psychology Cognitive psychology
Key findings VR-delivered mindfulness training reduced BPD symptoms and increased mindfulness as effectively as real-world or audio-only conditions.

Abstract

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a severe, complex condition that has significant adverse effects on the physical, social, and economic well-being of patients. The mindfulness skills training module of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DPT) as a stand-alone treatment is an effective treatment for BPD. However, borderline patients often fail to engage in mindfulness interventions due to struggles with concentration. Virtual Reality (VR) is a new modality for the administration of mindfulness training that holds great potential in increasing engagement and access, however whether the effects of virtual environments can match that of real scenarios and traditional mindfulness practices for BPD symptoms remains unknown. In Study 1, participants (N = 58) listened to a pre-recorded mindfulness audio while either looking at a virtual green space or a real green space in a single session. In Study 2, participants (N = 26) listened to the recording under three conditions (audio-only, audio and real green space, and audio and virtual green space) and underwent three mindfulness sessions. Measures of BPD symptoms and mindfulness skills were obtained pre- and post-sessions, and at one-week follow-up in Study 1 and two-week follow up in Study 2. Results from both studies showed a significant reduction in the same BPD measure and increase in mindfulness from pre- to post-intervention, with no significant difference among conditions. This effect was mostly maintained at the follow-up. Results of both studies suggest that VR interventions including DBT based mindfulness skills training could be effectively exploited to reduce BPD symptoms by enhancing accessibility, increasing engagement and avoiding dropouts.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment 2003 Randomized controlled trial n = 41
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults 2008 Randomized controlled trial n = 139
Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students 2007 Randomized controlled trial n = 40
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2004 Randomized controlled trial n = 73

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