Protocol for the REVISE Randomized Controlled Trial: A Virtual Reality Intervention to Prevent Sexual Harassment in Heterosexual Couples

Background: A series of studies suggests that Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) can enhance perspective-taking and behavioral change by simulating real-world scenarios that people can experience from different points of view. Moreover, the use of IVR for the prevention of gender-based violence offers a promising approach to addressing issues such as sexual harassment. Despite the growing interest in IVR as a preventive tool, research on its effectiveness in fostering empathy and changing attitudes toward gender-based violence through first-person perspective-taking and embodiment remains limited, distinguishing this approach from others that may merely present harassment scenarios without altering the participant’s visual perspective. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of REVISE (REalidad Virtual Inmersiva y SExualidad, in Spanish), an IVR intervention designed to promote empathy and reduce sexual harassment behaviors in heterosexual cisgender men. By experiencing sexual harassment from the victim's perspective, REVISE seeks to encourage behavioral changes and modify attitudes related to gender roles.Methods: Ninety heterosexual cisgender couples will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: 1) IVR with identity exchange in a sexual harassment scenario, 2) IVR with identity exchange in a non-harassment scenario, or 3) observation of a third-person harassment scene. The intervention will consist of a single virtual reality session followed by post-intervention assessments and a three-month follow-up. Multimodal data will be collected using self-report questionnaires, physiological measures (eye-tracking and pupillometry), and semi-structured interviews. The primary outcome will be changes in empathy, while secondary outcomes will assess attitudes toward gender roles and harassment.Discussion: The REVISE trial will contribute to the growing field of virtual interventions for the prevention of gender-based violence. By integrating real-time embodiment, behavioral simulation, and multimodal assessment, the study is expected to provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of perspective-taking via IVR. Findings will inform the development of future gender-transformative interventions that aim to address sexual harassment and promote prosocial behavior in men within intimate relationships.Trial Registration: This trial was registered under the title: “A virtual reality couples’ intervention for sexual victimization prevention: A gender-swapping transformative approach (REVISE)” which is available at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier number NCT06839937 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06839937). Registration was made on February 17th 2025.Trial Status: Data will be collected from September 2025 to September 2026.