Development and usefulness of a virtual reality-based training program for promoting subjective well-being: A preliminary study

Abstract

Background Enhancing subjective well-being is an effective way to improve mental health and virtual reality is useful as an intervention tool for cultivating well-being. This preliminary study aimed to probe the usefulness of a virtual reality-based interactive feedback program as an intervention tool for promoting subjective well-being. Methods In the experiment, 36 males participated in this program, consisting of three tasks constructed based on the theories of positive psychology: ‘Experience-based problem recognition task’, ‘Future self-based success story expression task’, and ‘Strength expression task’. Participants rated visual analog scores associated with each of the tasks' contents. The concurrent validity of task scores was evaluated by correlations with scores of the psychological scales, such as the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Dispositional Hope Scale, and Life Orientation Test Revised. Results The total task score was positively correlated with the scores of Mental Health Continuum-Short Form emotional well-being ( r = 0.492, p < 0.001) and psychological well-being ( r = 0.501, p < 0.001), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale ( r = 0.435, p < 0.001), Dispositional Hope Scale agency dimension ( r = 0.601, p < 0.001) and pathways dimension ( r = 0.451, p < 0.001), and Life Orientation Test Revised ( r = 0.378, p < 0.05), but not with the MHC-SF social well-being scores. After controlling the effects of the other task scores, the task scores had linear relationships with certain psychological assessments. Conclusion The results showed that the total task score was significantly correlated with indicators of well-being, self-esteem, hope, and optimism. The task scores obtained from the individual tasks were closely related to the indicators, depending on the nature of the task. These findings suggest that the program contents are well associated with certain aspects of subjective well-being and thus may be available for training that improves subjective well-being through interactive feedback.