Graduation Year
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Child and Family Studies
Major Professor
Kwang-Sun Cho Blair, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Committee Member
Raymond G. Miltenberger, Ph.D.,BCBA-D
Committee Member
Kimberly A. Crosland, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Committee Member
Elizabeth Shaunessy-Dedrick, Ph.D.
Keywords
bullying, safety skills, video modeling, virtual reality, school
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising instructional tool for children with disabilities; however, research on using VR to improve safety skills in this population remains limited. The present study employed a 2-phase approach to develop and evaluate a video-based VR bullying safety skills intervention for children with disabilities. In Phase 1, bullying and applied behavior analysis experts reviewed and validated the intervention content, including the response to bullying steps, school-based scenario storyboards, and embedded behavioral procedures, rating the content as valid and technically adequate. Expert feedback informed refinements to the intervention content and the decision to transition from an immersive to a video-based VR format. In Phase 2, a concurrent multiple baseline design across 3 male children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder examined the preliminary outcome and social validity of the intervention. All three participating children demonstrated immediate skill acquisition, consistent performance of the bullying safety skills throughout intervention, generalization from VR simulations to role-play assessments, and maintenance at 2-week and additional follow-up assessments. Although simulator sickness symptoms reported by the children varied, all three children completed the intervention successfully, supporting the feasibility of using the video-based VR intervention. Social validity ratings from the children and parents indicated high acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention. Findings provide preliminary evidence that video-based VR is a feasible and acceptable intervention for teaching bullying safety skills to children with disabilities.
Scholar Commons Citation
Maxfield, Trevor C., "Development and Feasibility Testing of a Video-Based Virtual Reality Bullying Safety Skills Intervention for School-Aged Children with Disabilities" (2026). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/11347
