Knowledge · Research paper
Virtual reality relaxation for people with mental health conditions: a systematic review
By Simon Riches, Priyanga Jeyarajaguru, Lawson Taylor, Carolina Fialho, Jordan Little, Lava Ahmed, Aileen O'Brien, Catheleine van Driel, Wim Veling, Lucia Valmaggia
This 2023 systematic review examines VR-based relaxation interventions for adults with mental health conditions. Across 18 studies involving 848 participants, it finds evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and short-term stress-reduction effects, while noting mixed study quality and the need for further research. The review concerns low-intensity relaxation interventions and does not establish altered-state induction or psychedelic-like effects.
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Abstract
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This 2023 systematic review examines VR-based relaxation interventions for adults with mental health conditions. Across 18 studies involving 848 participants, it finds evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and short-term stress-reduction effects, while noting mixed study quality and the need for further research. The review concerns low-intensity relaxation interventions and does not establish altered-state induction or psychedelic-like effects.
PURPOSE: Vulnerability to stress is linked to poor mental health. Stress management interventions for people with mental health conditions are numerous but they are difficult to implement and have limited effectiveness in this population. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation is an innovative intervention that aims to reduce stress. This review aimed to synthesize evidence of VR relaxation for people with mental health conditions (PROSPERO 269405).
METHODS: Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science were searched until 17th September 2021. The review was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool assessed methodological quality of studies.
RESULTS: Searching identified 4550 studies. Eighteen studies (N = 848) were included in the review. Studies were published between 2008 and 2021. Eleven were conducted in Europe. Thirteen studies were controlled trials. Participants were mostly working-age adult outpatients experiencing anxiety or stress-related conditions. Other conditions included eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Five studies tested inpatients. All studies used a range of nature-based virtual environments, such as forests, islands, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and most commonly, beaches to promote relaxation. Studies provided evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effectiveness of VR relaxation to increase relaxation and reduce stress. EPHPP ratings were 'strong' (N = 11), 'moderate' (N = 4), and 'weak' (N = 3).
CONCLUSIONS: VR relaxation has potential as a low-intensity intervention to promote relaxation and reduce stress for adults with mental health conditions, especially anxiety and stress-related problems. Further research is warranted on this promising intervention.
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