[DC] Virtual Reality for Mental Health: Toward Bioadaptive Narrative and Sensory Feedback Systems

Paper in proceeding, 2026

This doctoral thesis examines how virtual reality (VR), physiological biofeedback, and conversational AI can be combined to create adaptive mental health interventions. The project focuses on testing and developing systems that transition between narrative therapeutic dialogue and sensory-based grounding experiences based on real time indicators of user state. The aim is to advance accessible, non-pharmacological mental health support using consumer technologies and to understand when conversational versus sensory approaches are most effective, as well as explore the intersection and synergies between the two.