Virtual Interview Training for Reducing Criminal Behavior

Overseen By Katherine Tucker, MSW

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Uncorrected hearing/visual, Cognitive illness

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if Virtual Reality Job Interview Training can reduce reoffending among individuals at moderate to high risk of committing violent crimes. Participants will receive either their usual vocational services or those services plus the virtual reality training. The researchers will compare employment success and recidivism (returning to criminal behavior) between these two groups. Ideal participants are those currently in a Vocational Village, at risk for reoffending, and nearing release. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance rehabilitation and reduce reoffending rates.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that Virtual Reality Job Interview Training is safe for offenders?

Research has shown that Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) is generally easy to use. In past studies, participants reported no major negative effects from using VR-JIT. Instead, the training effectively improved job interview skills and increased employment rates among offenders. Participants handled the virtual reality experience well, making it a safe choice for those considering this type of training. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Virtual Reality Job Interview Training because it's a fresh approach to reducing criminal behavior by enhancing job readiness skills in a simulated environment. Unlike traditional vocational training, this method uses immersive technology to offer realistic practice in job interviews, which can be crucial for individuals with a criminal history looking to re-enter the workforce. The virtual reality aspect makes it distinct, providing a safe space for repeated practice without real-world consequences, potentially leading to better employment outcomes and reduced recidivism.

What evidence suggests that Virtual Reality Job Interview Training is effective for reducing criminal behavior?

In this trial, participants will receive either Services as Usual or Services as Usual combined with Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT). A previous study showed that VR-JIT improved job interview skills, confidence, and motivation among participants. Research indicates that VR-JIT not only enhances these skills but also reduces anxiety about job interviews. Another study found that VR-JIT increased employment rates for people returning to society after incarceration. This training has been linked to better job outcomes and a lower chance of reoffending. Overall, these findings suggest that VR-JIT could effectively help former offenders find jobs and avoid trouble. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Matthew J Smith, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for offenders at moderate to high risk of reoffending, particularly with violent crimes. They must be within three months of release, enrolled in a Vocational Village, over 18 years old, and have at least a 6th grade reading level. Those with hearing or visual problems or cognitive issues due to medical illness cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Identified as at moderate to high risk for reoffending with violent crimes (determined at the time of enrollment in the Vocational Village via the COMPAS Risk Assessment Classification Instrument [60])

You must be able to read and understand at a 6th grade level or higher.

Within three months of their earliest release date

Exclusion Criteria

I have hearing or vision problems that stop me from participating in training.

I have a condition that affects my thinking, such as a severe brain injury.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive vocational services as usual, with some receiving additional Virtual Interview Training (VIT)

6 months

Regular sessions as part of Vocational Village program

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for employment and recidivism outcomes

12 months

Follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months

Implementation Evaluation

Conduct a multilevel, mixed-method process evaluation of VIT implementation

Throughout study completion, average of 4 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Services as usual
• Virtual Reality Job Interview Training

Trial Overview The study compares the effectiveness of Virtual Interview Training (VIT) combined with standard vocational services (SAU+VIT) against just the usual services (SAU-only). The focus is on improving job prospects and reducing repeat offenses among prisoners.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Services as usual + Virtual Reality Job Interview Training Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

In addition to the services as usual comparator, participants will participate in Virtual Reality Job Interview Training.

Group II: Services as Usual Active Control 1 Intervention

Study participants will be receiving their Vocational Village services as usual that may include but is not limited to vocational skill training, daily living skill training, and social skill training.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

SIMmersion, LLC

Industry Sponsor

Trials

8

Recruited

1,000+

Citations

1. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11292-025-09684-7

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of virtual reality job ... Subsequently, a pilot RCT in two Michigan prisons found that VR-JIT significantly improved job interview skills, confidence, and motivation ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11178324/

Virtual Reality Job Interview Training for Adults Receiving ... Results also suggest preliminary effectiveness of VR-JIT for prison-based services as trainees increased their job interview skills, reduced their job interview ...

3. nij.ojp.gov nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/pragmatic-randomized-controlled-trial-virtual-reality-job-interview-training

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of virtual reality job ... Improving Employment and Reducing Recidivism among Prison Offenders via Virtual Reality Job-Interview Training. Date Published: August 1 ...

4. cdn.clinicaltrials.gov cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/42/NCT04140942/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

Improving Employment and Reducing Recidivism among ... Our goal is to conduct a confirmatory effectiveness RCT (and an implementation evaluation [39]) of Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) by comparing ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10961941/

Implementation Preparation Costs of Virtual Reality Job ... Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) has increased employment rates for returning citizens when added to a successful prison-based employment ...

6. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15564886.2025.2518581

Different Worlds: A Qualitative Study on the Use of VR ... Results showed that VRAPT was seen as helpful through its focus on skills training but needs to be adapted to the challenges of prosocial change in the prison ...