Charisma™: A virtual reality training to promote Social BrainHealth in adults

Abstract Imagine a place you go to safely practice interviewing for a job, speaking up in a group meeting, or asking someone for a date. Such a world exists as a “virtual reality” called Charisma™. This chapter illustrates, with evidence-based research, how virtual reality platforms are opening immense opportunities to enhance Social BrainHealth in adults, characterized as the skills and social brain networks that support navigating complex social exchanges. Charisma consists of two major components: a clinician-led strategy-based training protocol and a game-based technology platform, where individuals practice a range of social challenges and receive real-time feedback. Clinical trials suggest that Charisma achieves significant social brain-network change combined with gains in social skills translating to real-world interactions. This chapter demonstrates the potential in leveraging virtual technology to drive improved social learning and social-life engagement, filling a major void in adult social trainings. Due to rapid technological advancement, the feasibility to scale much-needed intervention protocols has never been more promising.