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Meshkat S, Edalatkhah M, Di Luciano C, Martin J, Kaur G, Hee Lee G, Park H, Torres A, Mazalek A, Kapralos B, Dubrowski A, Bhat V. Virtual Reality and Stress Management: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e64573. [PMID: 39144853 PMCID: PMC11323791 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Amidst the growing prevalence of chronic stress and its potential negative impacts on mental health, this review explores the use of virtual reality (VR) as a stress management solution, aiming to assess its viability and effectiveness in this context. A comprehensive search was conducted on MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase from inception until February 2024. Eligible studies were primary research papers that focused on the use of VR as an intervention to mitigate psychological stress and/or distress. We included studies where the assessment of stress levels primarily relied on self-report measures. A total of 50 studies involving 2885 participants were included in our systematic review. VR-based interventions varied across studies, implementing tools such as cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness and relaxation, repetition tasks, and psychoeducation. The reviewed studies yielded mixed results; however, a strong indication was present in highlighting the promising potential of VR-based interventions. Many studies observed a decrease in psychiatric symptoms in participants and reported increased quality of life. Various studies also found VR to be a valuable tool in promoting stress reduction and relaxation. VR was proven useful in exposing participants to stressors in a safe, controlled way. These potential benefits appear to come with no risk of harm to the participants. Although the findings are heterogenous, there is sufficient evidence supporting the use of VR for stress management across a range of contexts and populations. Overall, VR appears to be a generally low-risk, feasible intervention for those struggling with stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakila Meshkat
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, CAN
| | | | | | - Josh Martin
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, CAN
| | - Gursharanjit Kaur
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, CAN
| | - Gyu Hee Lee
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, CAN
| | - Haley Park
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, CAN
| | - Andrei Torres
- maxSIMhealth Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Toronto, CAN
| | - Ali Mazalek
- Synaesthetic Media Lab, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, CAN
| | - Bill Kapralos
- maxSIMhealth Group, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, CAN
| | | | - Venkat Bhat
- Psychiatry, University of Toronto/St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, CAN
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Dreesmann NJ, Buchanan D, Tang HYJ, Furness Iii T, Thompson H. Virtual Reality Meditation for Fatigue in Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mixed Methods Pilot Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e46209. [PMID: 37847542 PMCID: PMC10618887 DOI: 10.2196/46209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective symptom management is crucial to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with chronic diseases. Health care has changed markedly over the past decade as immersive, stand-alone, and wearable technologies including virtual reality have become available. One chronic pain population that could benefit from such an intervention is individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent pharmacologic advances in the management of RA have led to a decrease in inflammatory symptoms (eg, chronic pain) or even disease remission, yet up to 70% of patients with RA still suffer from fatigue. While VR-delivered behavior, meditation, and biofeedback programs show promise for pain and anxiety management, there is little information on the use of virtual reality meditation (VRM) for fatigue management among individuals with RA. OBJECTIVE This study aims to (1) examine the feasibility of implementing a study protocol that uses VRM, (2) determine the acceptability of using VRM for fatigue management in an outpatient population, and (3) identify barriers and contextual factors that might impact VRM use for fatigue management in outpatients with RA. METHODS We used a convergent, mixed methods design and enrolled adults aged 18 years or older with a clinical diagnosis of RA. Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS) measures of fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain behavior, and physical function were assessed alongside the brief mood introspection scale at baseline and weekly for 4 weeks. VRM use across the 4-week study period was automatically stored on headsets and later extracted for analysis. Semistructured interview questions focused on feedback regarding the participant's experience with RA, previous experience of fatigue, strategies participants use for fatigue management, and the participant's experience using VRM and recommendations for future use. RESULTS A total of 13 participants completed this study. Most participants completed all study surveys and measures (11/13, 84% and 13/13, 100%, respectively) and were active participants in interviews at the beginning and end of the program. Participants used VRM an average of 8.9 (SD 8.5) times over the course of the 4-week program. Most participants enjoyed VRM, found it relaxing, or recommended its use (12/13, 92%), but 8 (62%) noted barriers and conceptual factors that impacted VRM use. On average, participants saw decreases in PROMIS fatigue (-6.4, SD 5.1), depression (-5.6, SD 5.7), anxiety (-4.5, SD 6), and pain behavior (-3.9, SD 5.3), and improvements in PROMIS physical function (1.5, SD 2.7) and Brief Mood Introspection Scale mood (5.3, SD 6.7) over the course of this 4-week study. CONCLUSIONS While this study's implementation was feasible, VRM's acceptability as an adjunctive modality for symptom management in RA is contingent on effectively overcoming barriers to use and thoughtfully addressing the contextual factors of those with RA to ensure successful intervention deployment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04804462; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04804462.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Dreesmann
- Virtual Therapeutics, Kirkland, WA, United States
- School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Diana Buchanan
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hsin-Yi Jean Tang
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas Furness Iii
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hilaire Thompson
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Görlich Y. Creativity and productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14615. [PMID: 37669962 PMCID: PMC10480470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on creativity and productivity and how personality variables moderated these impacts. Two online self-report surveys were conducted. 863 (spring 2020) and 421 (spring 2021) participants were asked how the corona crisis affected their creativity and productivity. In addition, personality variables, namely the Big Five (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism), as well as interpersonal trust, need for cognition, risk-taking, and life satisfaction, were assessed. As a result of the crisis, the group of participants appeared more creative in 2020, while no significant group effect of the pandemic was found for productivity. In 2021, however, the crisis had a negative impact on creativity and productivity. In 2020, predictors for an improved creativity were openness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and life satisfaction; predictors for improved productivity were conscientiousness, negative interpersonal trust, and life satisfaction. In 2021, only life satisfaction predicted improved creativity, while improved productivity was predicted by conscientiousness, negative neuroticism, and life satisfaction. At its beginning, the COVID-19 pandemic had, on average, a positive effect on creativity and a neutral one on productivity. Later, the impact turned negative on both creativity and productivity. Here, lower life satisfaction was particularly relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Görlich
- Department of Psychology, PFH Private University of Applied Science Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
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Liu ZM, Liu CY, Chen CQ, Ye XD. 360° Digital Travel to Improve Emotional State and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Presence and Sense of Place. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2023; 26:690-697. [PMID: 37335922 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
The continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline in people's subjective well-being and emotional states. Digital travel based on 360° videos provides an alternate way for people to improve their mental health at home during this specific period. Yet, how to construct effective digital travel content that improves emotions remains an issue. This investigation assessed the impact of people's perceived presence and sense of place (SOP) on emotional improvement during a 360° digital travel experience. A total of 156 undergraduate students volunteered to participate, and anxiety, emotion levels, and life satisfaction were measured before and after the digital travel experience; presence and SOP ratings were also collected after the experience. A Latent Change Score model was then developed, and the results indicated that the greater presence and SOP individuals experienced during their digital travel, the better their digital travel experience and emotional improvement. Furthermore, the current data highlight that SOP has a greater impact on emotional improvement than presence. This result provides a novel understanding that how SOP is generated may be more critical to digital travel than presence. This new understanding should help improve relevant applications in the field of digital travel, such as the possibility of providing meaningful narrative context in a virtual environment to induce SOP more effectively, and improve the digital travel experience. Overall, the findings of this study expand our understanding of the digital travel experience and lay the groundwork for future research on SOP and digital travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Min Liu
- Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Ye Liu
- Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chuang-Qi Chen
- Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin-Dong Ye
- Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
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Cieślik B, Juszko K, Kiper P, Szczepańska-Gieracha J. Immersive virtual reality as support for the mental health of elderly women: a randomized controlled trial. VIRTUAL REALITY 2023; 27:1-9. [PMID: 37360811 PMCID: PMC10164368 DOI: 10.1007/s10055-023-00797-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Several forms of virtual reality (VR) have shown promise in treating mental disorders. However, there is a lack of research investigating the use of multicomponent immersive VR. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention that incorporated Japanese garden aesthetics, relaxation, and elements of Erickson's psychotherapy in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms among elderly women. Sixty women with depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Both groups received eight (twice a week for four weeks) low-intensity general fitness training sessions. The IVR group (n = 30) received eight additional VR-based relaxation sessions, whereas the control group (n = 30) received eight group relaxation. As outcome measures, the geriatric depression scale (GDS; primary) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; secondary) were administered before and after the interventions. The protocol was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov PRS database (Registration number: NCT05285501). Patients receiving IVR therapy exhibited a greater significant reduction in the GDS (adjusted mean post-difference of 4.10; 95% CI = 2.27-5.93) and HADS (2.95; 95% CI = 0.98-4.92) scores than those receiving the control intervention. In conclusion, IVR with elements of psychotherapy, relaxation, and garden aesthetics may alleviate the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Cieślik
- Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Lido, Italy
| | - Karolina Juszko
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Pawel Kiper
- Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Lido, Italy
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Malighetti C, Bernardelli L, Pancini E, Riva G, Villani D. Promoting Emotional and Psychological Well-Being During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Self-Help Virtual Reality Intervention for University Students. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2023; 26:309-317. [PMID: 36940285 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Mental health problems are very common among university students, and the situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of universities, the restrictions imposed, and the reduction of social activities led to considerable changes in students' lives, thus posing new mental health and emotional challenges. Within this context, promoting university students' general well-being, in particular emotional and psychological well-being, becomes essential. In addition to the possibility of online interventions aimed at overcoming distance limitations and reaching people at their home, other advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR) have demonstrated the potential to improve people's well-being, quality of life, and positive experiences. The study reported in this article is aimed at exploring the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a self-help VR intervention lasting 3 weeks in promoting emotional well-being in university students. Forty-two university students voluntarily participated in a six-session intervention. In each session, a different virtual scenario was presented: two relaxing experiences and four transformative experiences based on metaphors or metaphoric ones aimed at encouraging students to be aware of their emotions and positive resources. Students were randomly allocated to an experimental group and to a waiting list group that started the intervention after 3 weeks. Before and after the six sessions, participants completed an assessment by completing online questionnaires. Results showed a significant increase in both emotional well-being and psychological well-being in the experimental group compared to the waiting list group. The majority of participants said that they would recommend the experience to other students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Malighetti
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Pancini
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano (IRCCS), Milano, Italy
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Villani
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Farahimanesh S, Serino S, Tuena C, Di Lernia D, Wiederhold BK, Bernardelli L, Riva G, Moradi A. Effectiveness of a Virtual-Reality-Based Self-Help Intervention for Lowering the Psychological Burden during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Iran. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2006. [PMID: 36902793 PMCID: PMC10004117 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12052006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic. In this framework, digital self-help interventions have the potential to provide flexible and scalable solutions for delivering evidence-based treatments that do not necessitate face-to-face meetings. OBJECTIVE as part of a multicentric project, the purpose of the current randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a Virtual-Reality-based self-help intervention (namely, COVID Feel Good) in lowering the psychological distress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. METHODS 60 participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (COVID Feel Good intervention group) or the control (no-treatment control group) condition. At the beginning of the intervention (Day 0), at the end of the intervention (Day 7), and after a 2-week follow-up (Day 21), measurements of depressive and anxiety levels, general distress, perceived levels of stress, hopelessness (primary outcome measures), perceived interpersonal closeness with the social world, and fear of COVID-19 (secondary outcome measure) were collected. The protocol consists of two integrated parts: the first part includes a relaxing 10-min three-hundred-sixty-degree (360°) video, while the second one includes social tasks with specified objectives. RESULTS In terms of the primary outcomes, participants in the COVID Feel Good intervention group improved in depression, stress, anxiety, and perceived stress but not hopelessness. Secondary outcome results showed an improvement in perceived social connectedness and a substantial decrease in fear of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS these findings on the efficacy of COVID Feel Good training add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the feasibility of digital self-help interventions in promoting well-being during this unique period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharareh Farahimanesh
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran 1658344575, Iran
| | - Silvia Serino
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Cosimo Tuena
- Applied Technology for Neuropsychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Lernia
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Brenda K. Wiederhold
- Virtual Reality Medical Center, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Virtual Reality Medical Institute, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuropsychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20145 Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Alireza Moradi
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran 1658344575, Iran
- Faculty of Psychology & Education, Department of Psychology, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran
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Xie M, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Lin D. Associations between trait and state perceived stress and daily moods: COVID-19 stressful experiences as a moderator. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-15. [PMID: 36468161 PMCID: PMC9685040 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03955-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Drastically disrupting daily routines, the global pandemic of COVID-19 has posed critical mental health threats to adolescents and young adults worldwide. Many of the extant empirical findings, however, have focused on individuals' psychological adjustment during the initial phase of the pandemic. It is less clear how COVID-19 stressful experiences impact young people's daily lives in the post-pandemic "new normal." Drawing on 7-day diary reports, the present study fills this gap by examining: (1) how daily perceived stress impacted daily emotional adjustment; and (2) the moderating effects of COVID-19 stressful experiences on these associations among 582 Chinese young adults (M age = 18.12, SD = .65; 69% females). Results indicated that higher levels of both trait (i.e., average levels) and state (i.e., daily fluctuations) perceived stress were associated with greater negative and anxious moods, and that prior pandemic-related experiences exacerbated the adverse impact of both trait and state perceived stress on daily moods. Specifically, young adults reporting greater COVID-19 stressful experiences demonstrated poorer emotional adjustment (i.e., lower levels of positive mood and higher levels of negative mood) on days when they had more fluctuations in perceived stress; the aggravating impact was stronger when the average levels of perceived stress were higher. By illuminating the moderating effects of COVID-19 stressful experiences, this study contributes to the limited, but burgeoning, research examining the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on daily emotional adjustment in post-pandemic life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Xie
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Ye Feng
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, The Bronx, NY USA
| | - Yanjia Zhang
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Hongfeng Zhang
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macau, China
| | - Danhua Lin
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
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