Virtual Reality Offerings for and by Marginalized Populations: A Scoping Review on Equity and Intersectionality

Virtual reality (VR) programs can support multiple aspects of well-being and have been developed by marginalized groups for these purposes, but there is still a systemic power imbalance. Marginalized groups have a place in digital well-being and can lead efforts directed towards resources that they desire. To better support these efforts and mobilize knowledge amongst marginalized stakeholders, we performed a scoping review of VR’s use for wellbeing. Taking an equity lens that considers the experiences of intersectional marginalization, we aimed to identify VR programs, their targets, outcomes, and equity-related facilitators and barriers. In May 2023, we conducted a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase, and Web of Science databases and grey literature for virtual reality and marginalized populations. Eligible research articles since the inception of the databases were those that met our predefined criteria of VR, marginalized populations, and well-being. We included 38 studies and charted preregistered variables using narrative synthesis and descriptive statistics. The populations represented in the included studies were often intersectionally marginalized and observed that VR offered diverse support, such as social support and affirmation, mental and emotional well-being, education and support for disability and physical health, and cultural connections. Overall, most studies reported positive findings, though several noted no effect on at least some outcomes. VR’s flexibility created informal, flexible spaces, with support from peers, and contributed to mental and social well-being. Several factors could challenge marginalized groups’ ability to follow and create pathways to VR well-being programs, such as the lack of free programs, data and program ownership, and intersectional data analyses. This area reflects a growing literature topic, with half of the studies published in 2022 or 2023. Which also means, currently, many studies have limitations like small sample sizes and are lacking mixed-methods or practical significance analyses. Moving forward, researchers could apply more open-access and inclusivity practices in their design and recruitment to widen equitable access to marginalized stakeholders. However, many marginalized populations created VR programs and benefited from them, contributing to a rebalancing of power over wellbeing.