Qualitative study on the virtual reality-based empty-chair technique in middle-aged South Korean men.

Introduction: The gestalt empty-chair technique facilitates dialog between clients and an imagined person or aspect of themselves to explore and resolve emotions or conflicts. Although it has proven to be therapeutic, middle-aged South Korean men may find its traditional format uncomfortable because of cultural norms and traditional gender roles that discourage emotional expression. This study explored the perceptions of a virtual reality (VR)-based adaptation of the empty-chair technique. Methods: Fourteen middle-aged South Korean men (aged 40-59 years) participated in sessions involving interaction with a virtual representation of their younger selves in a VR environment, followed by in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using Smith's Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to reveal participants' lived experiences. Results: Three positive experience domains emerged: "emotional reactions from meeting my childhood self," "shifting attitudes toward the self," and the "advantages of using VR." Conversely, three negative experience domains were identified: "difficulty revisiting childhood without constraints," "elements that disrupted immersion," and "areas for improvement." Discussion: The findings highlight the potential of the VR-based empty-chair technique as a counseling tool for middle-aged men, offering innovative ways to overcome the limitations of the traditional approach.