Local organisations advertised the study (e.g., charities, nurseries, parenting magazines, social media) and participants contacted the research team if they wished to take part.

There were two conditions, counter-balanced (a) warm, supportive mother - harsh, critical mother; or b) harsh, critical mother - warm, supportive mother).

Pre- and post- VR exposure, participants completed self-reported questionnaires in person over the course of two visits to University of Bath Psychology department. The Mind in the Eyes task required identifying emotional expressions on a face presented on a laptop.