Virtual immersion in nature and psychological well-being: A systematic literature review

Frost, Sharon; Kannis‐Dymand, Lee; Schaffer, Vikki; Millear, Prudence; Allen, Andrew; Stallman, Helen M.; Mason, Jonathan; Wood, Andrew; Atkinson-Nolte, Jalasayi

doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101765

Cited by 68 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…The qualitative findings also supported the quantitative findings regarding presence, indicating that participants felt like “being in” the virtual world, and in some few cases even completely loose the sense of reality (i.e., forgetting they were in the laboratory). Altogether, these findings indicate an improvement of the virtual conditions compared to those used in previous studies, which typically report adverse effects of virtual exposure (Alkahtani et al 2019 ; Browning et al 2020a , b ; Calogiuri et al 2018 ; Frost et al 2022 ; Mostajeran et al 2021 ). In the present study, both VR conditions were associated with low levels of cybersickness symptoms, as indicated by the similar SSQ ratings in the VR conditions as compared to control, but also by the fact that only few participants mentioned experiencing cybersickness (either in form of dizziness or impaired postural stability) in the qualitative reports.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 53%

“…Estimation of required sample size was performed using the G*Power software, based on expected effect size for negative affect, which previous research has found to be a sensitive measure for detecting impacts of virtual nature (Frost et al 2022 ; Yeo et al 2020 ). The expected effect size was set as medium (f = 0.25), as previous research suggests that the typical effect of real green exercise on negative affect is equivalent of a medium effect size or larger (Lahart et al 2019 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Taking real steps in virtual nature: a randomized blinded trial

et al. 2022

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Studies show that green exercise (i.e., physical activity in the presence of nature) can provide the synergistic psychophysiological benefits of both physical exercise and nature exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the extent to which virtual green exercise may extend these benefits to people that are unable to engage in active visits to natural environments, as well as to promote enhanced exercise behavior. After watching a video validated to elicit sadness, participants either performed a treadmill walk while exposed to one of two virtual conditions, which were created using different techniques (360° video or 3D model), or walked on a treadmill while facing a blank wall (control). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in relation to three overarching themes: “Experience,” “Physical engagement” and “Psychophysiological recovery.” Compared to control, greater enjoyment was found in the 3D model, while lower walking speed was found in the 360° video. No significant differences among conditions were found with respect to heart rate, perceived exertion, or changes in blood pressure and affect. The analysis of qualitative data provided further understanding on the participants’ perceptions and experiences. These findings indicate that 3D model-based virtual green exercise can provide some additional benefits compared to indoor exercise, while 360° video-based virtual green exercise may result in lower physical engagement.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 53%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Taking real steps in virtual nature: a randomized blinded trial

et al. 2022

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“…The present pilot study aimed to analyze the effects of a 360°-video-based VR nature intervention for people confined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the limited literature regarding the use of VR exposure to nature [ 50 ] and the consequences that confinement has on mental health and well-being (e.g., [ 1 , 5 , 7 ]), studies on the benefits of virtual exposure to nature in people who do not have access to natural environments are needed. The intervention—called STONE “Staying in TOuch with NaturE”—is based on previous evidence that has shown the restorative effect of interventions that include natural environments [ 15 ] and VR's capacity to induce and promote positive emotions and well-being [ 35 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similar to other studies with 360-degree videos of VR in natural environments [ 36 , 62 ], we did not find a significant increase in positive affect or well-being. A recent systematic review conducted by Frost et al [ 50 ] found that a decrease in negative affect (associated with restoration and mental fatigue recovery) is more commonly impacted by virtual immersion in nature than positive affect. In this regard, authors point out that factors that may be underlying the limited changes in positive affect during a VR nature exposure are cyber sickness, gait instability, or frustration regarding usability.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Connecting to Nature through 360° Videos during COVID-19 Confinement: A Pilot Study of a Brief Psychological Intervention

Navarrete

Navarro-Siurana

Herrero

et al. 2022

Journal of Healthcare Engineering

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Psychological interventions have been shown to be beneficial in mitigating stress related to COVID-19 confinement. According to theories of restorative environments, exposure to natural surroundings has positive effects on well-being and stress through its restorative qualities. With 360° video-based Virtual Reality (VR), people can be exposed to nature and so better manage the consequences associated with mobility restrictions during confinement. The main aim of this pilot study was to examine whether a 360° video-based VR intervention composed of five 13-minute sessions (once a day) has positive effects on affect, well-being, and stress. The sample was made up of 10 participants (4 men and 6 women; age : M = 46.5, SD = 11.7) who were confined at home (voluntarily or not) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were instructed to watch a 360° video each day (of a “beach” or “lake” environment) using their smartphone and VR glasses sent to them by mail. Participants responded with several self-reports before and/or after each session (emotions and sense of presence) and before and/or after the intervention (affect, well-being, perceived stress, perceived restorativeness of nature, and the usefulness and acceptability of the intervention). Results showed a tendency to improve positive (e.g., happiness) and negative (e.g., anxiousness) emotions and experience a high sense of presence after each session. Moreover, perceived restorative qualities of the environment and their cognitive and behavioral effects were high. A significant decrease in negative affect was found after the intervention. Usefulness and acceptability were also high. This is the first study to show that an affordable and accessible technology can be used to overcome the negative consequences of confinement and counteract its harmful psychological effects.

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“…If only those studies that used an HMD are considered, the results are less conclusive and often show non-significant differences (Knaust et al, 2021 ). Another systematic review was also undertaken that only included virtual natural environments presented on immersive hardware (HMD, or Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) (Frost et al, 2022 ). Both reviews concluded that, based on the predominantly non-significant results, better powered and designed research trials are needed to draw clear conclusions regarding the efficacy of monoscopic 360-degree nature videos compared with real nature experiences (Browning et al, 2020 ; Frost et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nature videos for PTSD: protocol for a mixed-methods feasibility study

Knaust

Felnhofer

Kothgassner

et al. 2022

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

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Background: Given the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among military personnel, new treatment approaches are needed. One may be virtual relaxation interventions, especially 360-degree nature videos, since studies have demonstrated their relaxation effects for healthy participants. If these relaxation effects can be reproduced in patients with PTSD, they may offer a viable tool to reduce distress and hyperarousal. Objective: This research protocol describes a planned study that will examine the relaxation effects of 360-degree nature videos for patients with PTSD. It will also investigate whether these relaxation effects differ depending on the hardware immersion level (head-mounted display [HMD] vs. PC screen) in comparison to a control condition in which patients only listen to natural sounds and do not view a video. Finally, the effect of each intervention’s dose duration (five vs. ten minutes) will be explored. Method: A counterbalanced, randomised, controlled, within-subject experiment will be conducted (sample size N = 36). Only soldiers aged 18 years or older with a primary diagnosis of PTSD will be included. Those with psychosis, substance dependence, a change in psychiatric medication within the last month, suicidal intent, and motion sickness will be excluded. All patients will experience the HMD, PC, and control conditions once for five or ten minutes. Self-reported relaxation measures will be collected before and after, and patients’ skin conductance level, heart rate, and heart rate variability will be assessed during each condition. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to examine the patients’ experiences in detail. Conclusions: This feasibility study will provide initial evidence of whether viewing 360-degree nature videos via HMD or PC screen is relaxing for patients with PTSD and whether the effects are greater compared with the control condition. The study will also validate the dose duration and thereby informing a subsequent confirmatory interventional trial. Trial registration: HIGHLIGHTS This randomised controlled feasibility study will examine whether 360-degree nature videos are a suitable relaxation intervention for military personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Virtual immersion in nature and psychological well-being: A systematic literature review

Cited by 68 publications

References 46 publications

Taking real steps in virtual nature: a randomized blinded trial

Taking real steps in virtual nature: a randomized blinded trial

Connecting to Nature through 360° Videos during COVID-19 Confinement: A Pilot Study of a Brief Psychological Intervention

Nature videos for PTSD: protocol for a mixed-methods feasibility study

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