# A Pilot Study on Emotional Equivalence Between VR and Real Spaces Using EEG and Heart Rate Variability

## TL;DR

This study compares emotional and physiological responses to VR and real spaces, finding differences in comfort and arousal levels.

## Contribution

It is the first pilot study to use EEG and heart rate variability to objectively compare emotional equivalence between VR and real environments.

## Key findings

- Real-world environments were perceived as more comfortable and preferred over VR environments.
- VR elicited higher arousal, indicated by elevated beta waves and beta/alpha ratios.
- VR also showed transient increases in parasympathetic nervous activity, as measured by pNN50.

## Abstract

In recent years, the application of virtual reality (VR) for spatial evaluation has gained traction in the fields of architecture and interior design. However, for VR to serve as a viable substitute for real-world environments, it is essential that experiences within VR elicit emotional responses comparable to those evoked by actual spaces. Despite this prerequisite, there remains a paucity of studies that objectively compare and evaluate the emotional responses elicited by VR and real-world environments. Consequently, it is not yet fully understood whether VR can reliably replicate the emotional experiences induced by physical spaces. This study aims to investigate the influence of presentation modality on emotional responses by comparing a VR space and a real-world space with identical designs. The comparison was conducted using both subjective evaluations (Semantic Differential method) and physiological indices (electroencephalography and heart rate variability). The results indicated that the real-world environment was associated with impressions of comfort and preference, whereas the VR environment evoked impressions characterized by heightened arousal. Additionally, elevated beta wave activity and increased beta/alpha ratios were observed in the VR condition, suggesting a state of high arousal, as further supported by positioning on the Emotion Map. Moreover, analysis of pNN50 revealed a transient increase in parasympathetic nervous activity during the VR experience. This study is positioned as a pilot investigation to explore physiological and emotional differences between VR and real spaces.