Effect of a Virtual Reality-Based Restorative Environment on the Emotional and Cognitive Recovery of Individuals with Mild-to-Moderate Anxiety and Depression

Bibliographic Data

ID15482763
AuthorsHongqidi Li (0000-0003-4287-899X, Beijing Forestry University), Wenyi Dong (Beijing Forestry University), Zhimeng Wang (0000-0002-6907-2606, Beijing Normal University), Nuo Chen (0000-0002-1267-1982, Beijing Forestry University), Jian Wu (0000-0002-2297-3335, corresponding author), Jianping Wu (0000-0002-8887-8031, Beijing Forestry University), Jiayue Wu (0000-0002-3394-1507, Beijing Forestry University, corresponding author), Guangxin Wang (0000-0003-2116-1260, Beijing Forestry University), Ting Jiang (0000-0002-2276-9174, Beijing Normal University)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue17
Pages9053-9053
Publication date2021-08-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18179053
PMID34501643
OpenAlexW3197423437
LanguageEN
Citations received15
References cited111

In this study, restorative environment theory and virtual reality (VR) technology were combined to build different 3D dynamic VR interactive scenes. We discuss the effects of a VR restorative environment on the emotional and cognitive recovery of individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. First, we built a VR restorative garden scene, divided into four areas: forest, lawn, horticultural planting, and water features. The scene was verified to have a good recovery effect in 26 participants. Then, 195 participants with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression were selected as experimental subjects. Through psychological testing and EMG (Electromyography) and EEG (Electroencephalography) data feedback, we further explored the differences in the sense of presence in VR restorative scenes and their effect on individual emotional and cognitive recovery. The results showed that (1) both the restorative environment images and the VR scenes had a healing effect (the reduction in negative emotions and the recovery of positive emotions and cognition), with no difference in the subjective feeling of recovery among the different scenes, but the recovery score of the VR urban environment was higher than that of the natural environment (differing from the results in real environments); (2) a high sense of presence can be experienced in different VR scenes, and interactive activities in VR scenes can provide a great presence experience; (3) the recovery effects of VR restorative environment on emotion and self-efficacy are realized through the presence of VR scenes; (4) a VR restorative environment is helpful for the emotional improvement and cognitive recovery of individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. VR urban scenes also have good recovery effects. In terms of cognitive recovery, self-efficacy improved significantly. In addition, from the perspective of EEG indicators, the VR restorative scene experience activated the prefrontal lobe, which is conducive to cognitive recovery in individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. In terms of emotional improvement, negative emotions were significantly reduced in the different VR scene groups. In conclusion, we further explored ways to help individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression, in order to promote the development and application of mental health

Anxiety · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Feeling · Human–computer interaction · Virtual reality · Computer Science · Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health · Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts

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