Type

Article

Keywords

nature videos, virtual reality, immersiveness, stress recovery

Abstract

Although extensive research demonstrates that nature films can facilitate recovery from stress and cognitive overload, it remains unclear whether more immersive media, such as virtual reality (VR), are more effective than similar two-dimensional films. The present study examined the effects of immersiveness on affective, cognitive, and physiological restoration. Three levels of immersiveness for film viewing were employed: 2D (computer monitor), standard VR (visual and auditory input), and enhanced VR (standard VR plus olfactory and haptic input). All participants were exposed to parallel versions of a six-minute nature film. We hypothesized that greater immersiveness would produce stronger restorative effects. All versions of the film reduced negative affect and state anxiety, improved performance on a cognitive task, and increased physiological arousal. More immersive conditions, though, did not promote stronger restorative effects. One potential explanation for the latter findings is that, unexpectedly, participants did not report greater “presence” in the VR conditions. Still, there was evidence that subjective presence may be important, as it positively correlated with reductions in stress and negative affect. Both clinical and research implications of the study findings are discussed.

Department(s)

Psychology

Journal or Book Title

IUSVEducation

Publication Year

2026

Page range

37-54

Publisher

Istituto Universitario Salesiano di Venezia

Rights Management

The original authors own the copyright to this work and have granted Carleton College permission to display and distribute it online through the Carleton College Library. For more information on the copyright status of this work, refer to the current copyright holder.

External URL

https://iusveducation.it/the-restorative-effects-of-virtual-reality-nature-simulations-an-empirical-investigation/

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