Stress is a growing issue in modern society, contributing to numerous health problems, substantial healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life. Effective stress management is essential to mitigate these effects. Breathing techniques are well-established methods for reducing stress and improving well-being. However, encouraging individuals to consistently practice these techniques can be challenging. Virtual Reality (VR) offers a unique and engaging platform for stress management by immersing users in captivating and interactive environments. These virtual worlds can offer individuals an enjoyable and accessible way to practice stress-reduction exercises. In this paper, we implement the Attention Restoration Theory (ART) in our virtual environment and evaluate it through a survey study (n = 15). Our findings indicate that users found the VR experience relaxing and engaging, with positive feedback on the integration of breathing techniques. Participants reported increased relaxation and mental refreshment after using the application. This study provides valuable insights into user preferences, which will inform future work. It lays the cornerstone to a long-term study to further evaluate the effect of VR breathing exercises with biofeedback on heart-rate variability. These efforts aim to create more effective and accessible tools for stress reduction, ultimately improving users’ well-being.

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Exploring the Acceptance of a Virtual World for Stress Management: Insights from a User-Centric VR Approach

  • Christian Scherer,
  • Rrezart Dragusha,
  • Luca Marti,
  • Joey Merk,
  • Mirella Moser

摘要

Stress is a growing issue in modern society, contributing to numerous health problems, substantial healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life. Effective stress management is essential to mitigate these effects. Breathing techniques are well-established methods for reducing stress and improving well-being. However, encouraging individuals to consistently practice these techniques can be challenging. Virtual Reality (VR) offers a unique and engaging platform for stress management by immersing users in captivating and interactive environments. These virtual worlds can offer individuals an enjoyable and accessible way to practice stress-reduction exercises. In this paper, we implement the Attention Restoration Theory (ART) in our virtual environment and evaluate it through a survey study (n = 15). Our findings indicate that users found the VR experience relaxing and engaging, with positive feedback on the integration of breathing techniques. Participants reported increased relaxation and mental refreshment after using the application. This study provides valuable insights into user preferences, which will inform future work. It lays the cornerstone to a long-term study to further evaluate the effect of VR breathing exercises with biofeedback on heart-rate variability. These efforts aim to create more effective and accessible tools for stress reduction, ultimately improving users’ well-being.