Abstract
Objectives
To examine the effects of mindfulness-based Virtual Reality (VR) and relaxing music VR on relieving anxiety, stress, and depression in Chinese university students, respectively.
Method
A 2-week virtual reality intervention was conducted among university students in China. Sixty participants were randomized to three groups namely: (1)“Mindfulness VR”, (2) “Relaxing Music VR”, or (3) “Blank Control”. Participants’ depression, anxiety, and stress levels were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 12-week follow-up. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired-sample t-tests were performed to compare the effects of interventions on negative emotions outcomes.
Results
As compared to the control group, Mindfulness VR group and Relaxing Music VR group led to a decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress levels. The least significant difference test showed that Mindfulness VR group performed the best in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels. However, the paired-samples t-test showed no statistically significant differences in depression, anxiety, and stress levels across the three groups at both the 2-week and 12-week follow-up periods.
Conclusions
Both Mindfulness VR and Relaxing Music VR were effective psychological interventions in alleviating negative emotions. As compared to Relaxing Music VR, Mindfulness VR was found to be significantly more effective. Therefore, future efforts could focus on enhancing the Mindfulness VR intervention to benefit more university students. Besides that, further research should also be conducted to confirm the long-term impact of both interventions on alleviating negative emotions.
Preregistration
This study is not preregistered.