Designing a Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Program in Virtual Reality Environment and Comparison of its Effectiveness with Traditional Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Rumination, Cognitive Emotion Regulation, and Pain Perception Symptoms in Elderly.

This research aims to design and develop a virtual reality-based mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program and compare its effectiveness with traditional methods on cognitive distortions, emotion regulation, and pain perception in older adults

The study has two experimental groups and one control group, with participants randomly assigned using simple randomization. Randomization was done with a random number table, and a single-blind method was applied to 45 participants.

Interventions in the first experimental group are group-based, while interventions in the second group are individual. Informed consent forms are obtained initially, and participants are blinded to their group assignment. Therapy sessions take place in a psychological clinic in Isfahan, with eight weekly sessions lasting 90 minutes each.

Study inclusion criteria: normal visual and auditory abilities, literacy in reading and writing, no history of psychiatric, cognitive, or physical disorders such as epilepsy. Exclusion criteria: history of cognitive disorders such as mild cognitive impairment, hospitalization, and psychiatric disorders.

Interventions in the traditional mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group are conducted in a group format, teaching techniques such as breath awareness, body scan, cognitive restructuring, and acceptance. In the second experimental group, the same interventions are delivered through virtual reality videos. The control group is placed on a waiting list and receives the intervention after the completion of the study

Improvement in rumination; improvement in cognitive emotion regulation; pain perception

A simple randomization method will be employed in this research, with the individual as the randomization unit. Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to one of the three study groups, which include traditional cognitive therapy based on mindfulness presence, cognitive therapy based on mindfulness presence in a virtual reality environment, and a control group. Randomization will be performed using a table of random numbers, and opaque sealed envelopes with a random sequence will be used for concealment. The random numbers obtained will be written on the envelopes, and on the day of group assignment, the envelopes will be opened to determine the group assigned to each participant. This method of randomization and concealment aims to minimize bias and ensure an unbiased allocation of participants to the study groups.

The data in this study consists of raw data and findings after statistical analysis. The first set of data is obtained from participant scores on questionnaires, which can be published after removing private information through an Excel file. The main research data, including descriptive tables, normality, post hoc tests, and analysis of variance with repeated measurements, is presented after statistical analysis using SPSS software version 25. The study protocol, which includes a detailed description of the intervention sessions in the experimental groups, will be shared as a Word file. The clinical study report will outline the method of conducting the research and will be published in the same format as compiled in the thesis. The informed consent form will also be published after de-identifying participants and removing personal information.

The beginning of the access period is in September 2023.

All people who work in the field of aging have the possibility to access the data. including researchers, policy makers and statesmen and people who work in the field of innovation, technology and making assistive devices for the elderly.

The data obtained from this research can be utilized for planning and implementing health solutions for the elderly. However, it should be noted that due to the influence of time and place on research results, caution should be exercised in generalizing the findings to elderly populations in other cultures. To request access to the data, the following conditions must be met: Submission of an introduction letter from a reputable institution or company The researcher or student must provide details about the university and field of study Introduction of the project and sponsoring institution (for industry-related research)

To receive data and documents, you can contact the researcher's email address: nasibehsar@gmail.com Or refer to the Research Vice-Chancellor of Yazd University of Science and Art: Yazd, Student Blvd., University of Science and Art (035) 38264080-9 (035) 38302184 89167-13335 info@sau.ac.ir

To obtain the necessary documents, please send an email to the researcher clearly expressing your request. Once the email has been checked and approved by the researcher, the requested documents will be sent to the applicant within two weeks.