Invite Only VR: Development and Evaluation of a Vaping Prevention Game for Adolescents

Developed in partnership with PreviewLabs, Inc, Invite Only VR: A Vaping Prevention Game is an evidence- and theory-based virtual reality videogame intervention that teaches adolescents aged 12-15 about the health risks of vaping and nicotine use while providing a virtual environment to practice refusing peer pressure to vape. Findings from our recent non-randomized controlled trial with 285 7th and 8th grade students with three middle schools in Milford, CT, reported that Invite Only VR positively impacted common psychological factors associated with behavior change, including increased e-cigarette and nicotine addiction knowledge, harm perceptions, and social perceptions, which were maintained over 6 months after the intervention ended. The game is currently available for the Oculus Go on the Oculus (Meta) store and as a web-based game.

We recently received funding from the CT Department of Public Health to develop out Invite Only VR to include content around marijuana vaping and mental health promotion. We will be piloting our program in 3 CT school classrooms in the Spring of 2023.