Measuring User Engagement in Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Interventions for Stress Reduction

Stress affects individuals across the world, posing significant challenges on the mental and physical states and overall quality of life. These detrimental consequences may include increased risk of mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and higher risk to physical ailments. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective interventions which can reduce stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) videos and Biofeedback techniques offer supportive approaches in alleviating stress. CBT provides cognitive restructuring and behavioral strategies to modify negative patterns, while Biofeedback utilizes physiological measurements to provide real-time feedback for stress symptom regulation. Integrating CBT, Biofeedback, and immersive technology, such as immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), enhances the effectiveness of stress reduction interventions through immersive and engaging experiences. This paper proposes a solution that combines the principles of CBT videos and Biofeedback techniques within immersive environments. CBT videos within immersive environments provide engaging and immersive therapeutic content, while Biofeedback interventions enable users to regulate their physiological responses in an immersive environment but in real-time, empowering the users to regulate stress levels effectively. Building upon this premise, the study aims to comprehensively assess user engagement and evaluate the effectiveness of immersive interventions in stress reduction across VR, AR, and MR platforms. In addition to measuring user engagement, the study also aims to investigate factors such as user presence, immersion, emotion, and perceived usability to identify the most conducive immersive environment for stress reduction interventions. The research seeks to contribute to the development of personalized and effective stress reduction interventions, providing valuable insights into the potential of immersive technologies for stress minimization. The expected outcome of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of immersive interventions in minimizing stress and promoting wellness.