Immersive VR as a Tool to Enhance Relaxation for Undergraduate Students with the Aim of Reducing Anxiety - A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study explores using a tranquil VR environment to help reduce anxiety among undergraduates, showing promising feedback and potential for therapeutic use, though further improvements are needed.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel VR simulation designed for anxiety management and evaluates its feasibility and acceptability among students and a psychologist.

Findings

Participants found the VR experience helpful and would consider using it.

Qualitative feedback was very encouraging and positive.

The application shows potential as a therapeutic tool for anxiety management.

Abstract

Despite extensive use in related domains, Virtual Reality (VR) for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) has received little previous attention. We report upon a VR environment created for the Oculus Rift and Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) to investigate the potential of a VR simulation to be used as an anxiety management tool. We introduce the broad topic of GAD and related publications on the application of VR to this, and similar, mental health conditions. We then describe the development of a real time simulation tool, based upon the passive VR experience of a tranquil, rural alpine scene experienced from a seated position with head tracking. Evaluation focused upon qualitative feedback on the application. Testing was carried out over the period of two weeks on a sample group of eleven students studying at Nottingham Trent University. All participants were asked to complete the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS21) at the beginning and at the end of the study order to assess their profile, and hence suitability to comment upon the software. Qualitative feedback was very encouraging, with all participants reporting that they believed the experience helped and that they would consider utilising it if it was available. Additionally, a psychologist was asked to test the application to provide a specialist opinion on whether it would be appropriate for use as an anxiety management tool. The results highlight several areas for improvement but are positive overall in terms of its potential as a therapeutic tool.