New Paper Under Review Suggesting Virtual Reality Interviewing Enhances Prison-Based Services

“Virtual Reality Job Interview Training for Adults Receiving Prison-Based Employment Services: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility and Initial Effectiveness Trial”

Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) is a computerized job interview simulator that was developed to address the gap in evidence-based practices used to facilitate job interview training within vocational services. Returning citizens struggle to obtain employment after release from prison and navigating job interviews is a critical barrier to obtaining employment. Implementing evidence-based interview training is a major gap in prison-based vocational services. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility and initial effectiveness of Virtual Reality Job Interview Training within two prisons compared to employment readiness services-as-usual (SAU).

Results suggest VR-JIT is highly acceptable and highly usable among returning citizens. They adhered to and performed well with the training. Prison-based staff implemented VR-JIT with high fidelity after being trained by research staff. Results also suggest preliminary effectiveness of VR-JIT for prison-based services as trainees increased their job interview skills, reduced their job interview anxiety, and had greater odds of competitive employment within six months of their community re-entry, compared to returning citizens receiving services-as-usual.

View the preliminary report here: Returning Citizens Preliminary Report