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Virtual environments for relaxation and wellbeing: a pilot study
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There are many benefits to exposure to nature, and as VR continues to develop, it could provide a flexible intervention for vulnerable populations. Mental health can be promoted through vitual exposure to nature, and VR technology is best placed to provide the most realistic and immersive forest environments. The presente study aims to assess the feasibility of an eight-week VR-based forest therapy programme as an intervention to promote and improve the wellbeing and relaxation of people with experience of symptoms of anxiety, stress and/ or depression. A pilot study with a quasi-experimental research design was conducted in 20 adults recruited through and online survey and selected according to the desired criteria. Depression, anxiety and stress levels were accessed every session, before and after the VR immersion using DASS-21. Mental wellbeing was measured by WEMWBS at the beginning, halfway and end of the programme. A decrease to normal levels of depresion, anxiety and stress was reported, as well as an increase of mental wellbeing levels. Follow-up results showed no significant statistical differences comparatively to the last session, indicating last effects. An FT intervention programme using VR technology has potential to promote relaxation and wellbeing while reducing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms.
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Forest therapy Virtual reality Anxiety Stress Depression Wellbeing