THURS-095 - Stress Response to Nature Exposure Real vs Virtual

Brief Abstract Summary: This study identified the potential for using nature in virtual reality for stress management. Because many people cannot access nature this study compared the effects of exposure to a nature via virtual reality (VR) to nature in a real world setting. A two-treatment crossover design to compare nature in VR to real world nature exposure was used. Outcomes of interest included blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol, and self-reported measures of stress. 23 participants (X=27 years) completed both sessions. The majority of participants were white (56.5%), not Hispanic (87%) women (52%). Significant decreases were measured in perceived stress and blood pressure in both groups. Post exposure stress scores showed no significant difference between groups. Results show that both modalities have the potential to serve as stress management techniques and that virtual reality may be a useful tool in stress management for individuals who do not have or cannot access a real natural environment.

Detailed abstract description: Numerous studies have documented the positive impact of time spent in nature on stress levels (Hansen MM, Jones R, & Tocchini K., 2017). However, many people may not be able to access natural environments for a myriad of reasons such as proximity or physical mobility. Therefore, it is important to identify ways to overcome these barriers. Once such alternative may be to allow the individual to experience nature through virtual reality (VR). Should a VR nature experience produce stress reduction results similar to those produced in a real natural experience, a wealth of opportunities for professional utilization will be possible including in health care and educational settings. Purpose. This study compared the effects of exposure to a natural setting via immersive virtual reality (VR) using a 360 degree video and VR headset, to exposure to the same nature space in a real world setting. Methods. The study utilized a two-treatment period, randomized crossover design to compare nature in VR to real world nature exposure. Participants were required to attend two separate 30 minute sessions. Each Session included a 10 minute nature exposure, as well as pre and post survey and biometric data collection. Specific outcomes of interest were changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol, and self-reported measures of perceived stress. Results. Twenty three participants were recruited and completed both treatment sessions. The mean age of subjects was 27 years (18yrs to 56yrs). The majority of participants were white (56.5%), not Hispanic or Latino (87%) and identified as women (52%). 61% had no previous VR experience and 43.5% rarely or never spent time outdoors in green spaces. Preliminary results indicate a decrease in self-reported perceived stress, and biometric stress indicators as a result of both the real and VR interventions. After a 10 minute exposure to real nature, significant decreases were measured in perceived stress and systolic blood pressure. After the VR exposure to nature significant decreases were found in perceived stress, systolic blood pressure and heartrate. Post intervention scores on the 10 item Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, 1994) showed no significant difference in overall stress in participants regardless of nature exposure modality. Conclusion. Both exposure to real and virtual nature resulted in significant decreases in perceived stress and systolic blood pressure indicating that both modalities have the potential to serve as stress management techniques. Similarly given that there was no significant difference in overall perceived stress regardless of intervention type, the results of this study show that exposure to nature via virtual reality may be a useful tool in stress management for individuals who do not have or cannot access a real natural environment.