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http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/1032

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Percorrer ESS - CM - Artigos por autor "Almeida, Raquel Simões de"

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  • The impact of virtual reality-based forest therapy in psychiatric inpatient care: a pilot study
    Publication . Martins, Rafael; Sousa, Sara de; Viana, João; Fortuna, Rita; Henriques, André; Silva, Alzira; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; de Sousa, Sara
    This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality (VR)-based Forest Therapy program in reducing depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and physiological distress among psychiatric inpatients. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 16 inpatients (mean age: 38) in a clinical setting. Participants engaged in four immersive VR sessions simulating forest environments. Psychometric assessments included the DASS-21 and WHO-5, administered pre- and post-intervention. Autonomic responses were monitored via Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Electrodermal Activity (EDA). Following the intervention, participants showed statistically significant improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being scores (p < .001). While changes in physiological indicators (HRV and EDA) were not statistically significant, observed trends suggested increased autonomic stability and relaxation. The findings suggest that VR-based Forest Therapy appears to be a promising, accessible intervention for promoting well being in psychiatric settings with limited nature access. While the results are encouraging, the lack of a control group and follow-up data limits conclusions regarding long-term durability. Further research with larger samples is required to validate these findings.
    2026-01-19Artigo de investigação Acesso embargado Ver mais