Suicidal behavior constitutes a pivotal dimension within the realm of mental health, annually affecting millions across diverse countries and cultures, either through direct exposure or indirect influence. The World Health Organization reports an annual global toll of approximately 800,000 suicides, with tens of millions grappling with varied mental states and manifestations predisposing them to suicidal ideation and dynamics (World Health Organization, 2021). In the case of Ukraine, spanning the period from 2005 to 2021, 139,755 incidents were recorded, with over 110,000 involving males, as per data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine in 2022. Identified risk factors for suicide encompass mental disorders, psychoactive substance abuse, challenges in social and familial interactions, and culturally embedded perceptions of suicide.
Identified risk factors for suicide include mental health disorders, psychoactive substance abuse, challenges in social and familial interactions, and culturally embedded perceptions of suicide. While effective prevention and intervention initiatives hold promise in mitigating suicide rates, especially for the risk groups, accessibility to psychiatric and psychological services, alongside the requisite infrastructure, remains limited or insufficient, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (World Health Organization, 2021). In turn, the advancing landscape of technology introduces novel avenues for interventions in mental health and psychosocial support. Continued exploration of immersive technologies, particularly their application in addressing suicidality, is imperative for comprehending the intricate array of factors contributing to suicidal behavior. This pursuit is essential for the development of evidence-based strategies and programs for prevention and intervention.
This dissertation research aims to establish and examine the psychological effects of preventing suicidal behavior through the application of immersive technologies. The research hypothesis is that the use of immersive technologies affects parameters associated with suicidality, thereby contributing to the prevention of suicidal behavior.
