Immersive virtual reality: An effective strategy for reducing stress in young adults

Background: Psychological stress is ubiquitous in young adults, but traditional relaxation strategies such as mindfulness or meditation are not consistently utilised. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is being increasingly used in mental health contexts with improved clinical outcomes. However, there is limited research exploring the perceived usefulness of VR for individuals without a mental health diagnosis. Aim: To identify if an immersive VR experience was effective in reducing stress for young adults and to explore the experience of the participants. Methods: Twenty-one young adults aged 18-25 years participated in an immersive VR experience. Heart rate was measured pre- and post-test to objectively establish the efficacy of VR to facilitate relaxation. Participants were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview (n = 18) to gain a rich understanding of their experience. Results: Four themes emerged from analysis of the interviews: I felt relaxed and calm, It was time-efficient and easy to use, It took me to another place and It was different than I thought it would be. Heart rate reduced during the immersive VR experience. Conclusion: These findings suggest that immersive VR can reduce psychological stress, and it is perceived by young adults as a useful and time-effective strategy to reduce psychological stress.