Exploring the therapeutic potential of long-term virtual tourism: Empowering tourists on the path to depression recovery

Depression poses a significant global health challenge, affecting a substantial portion of the population. The use of virtual tourism has the potential to assist individuals with mental disorders. This research adopts the conceptual framework derived from self-determination theory. In particular, this study employs a combination of single-blind, partial crossover, three-group, and two-stage randomized controlled experiments and longitudinal interviews to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms by which virtual tourism contributes to depression recovery. The findings indicate that virtual tourism facilitates the attainment of emotional equilibrium, fosters the development of personal strengths, and mitigates the adverse effects associated with depression. A virtual tourism intervention standard operation guide based on ethical protection and experience priority was proposed. This research study, which contributes to the current body of knowledge at the intersection of tourism, psychology, and evidence-based medicine, offers a viable noninvasive treatment approach and promotes the provision of care for vulnerable populations.