Residual Emotional Effects From Virtual Reality Experiences

This study explores the psychological and physiological health benefits of virtual environments, particularly comparing the effects of a virtual meadow to the absence of a virtual environment to explore the effectiveness of VR as a stress relief. Given the increasing urbanisation and limited access to natural settings, this research investigates whether virtual realities can serve as a feasible alternative for enhancing mental health. We hypothesised that exposure to an interactive Meadow Forest virtual environment, not only facilitates stress relief but also provides short-term residual calming effects. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates bio-metric data, the Self-Assessment Manikin, and structured interviews to evaluate the emotional and physical responses of participants before and after exposure to a virtual green space. Although results indicate that virtual environments can reduce stress levels immediately after exposure, they do not significantly lower stress below baseline levels nor provide lasting residual benefits. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for future virtual reality applications in therapeutic contexts and highlights the need for more comprehensive studies to establish the potential long-term benefits of virtual environments in mental health practices.