Research Study on Suicide Prevention Soft Skills VR Training Effectiveness

In 2019, the Air Force witnessed its highest suicide rate in 30 years with 84. Karin A. Orvis, Director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, has laid out several initiatives for the DoD to curb suicides in the military by taking a “public health approach.” Moth+Flame is in the process of launching a Suicide Prevention VR training module to Air Mobility Command (AF SBIR 20.1 Phase III). In coordination with FSU, a formal research study to identify the VR training module’s effectiveness and Airmen’s learning retention can lead to actionable insights for improved training methodology and execution. Moth+Flame, in collaboration with the Florida State University’s Laboratory for the Study and Prevention Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors, will study the impact of a virtual reality-driven Suicide Prevention training module on knowledge retention. The study will examine learning outcomes in training using traditional materials vs. virtual reality experiences powered by Natural Language Processing. This study will apply conversational methods of learning and measure the impact on a study participant’s learning retention immediately after training, 2 weeks after training and 1 month after training. The study will also examine the amount of time it takes students to master skills across the two mediums of learning (traditional, virtually reality). The study will utilize Kirkpatrick's Four-Level Training Evaluation Model to evaluate the efficacy of the 2 forms of instruction.  The FSU Laboratory for the Study and Prevention Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors will leverage its research on the nature, causes, and management of suicidal behavior and related disorders to ensure that learning outcomes are properly understood, documented and measured throughout the length of the research study.