The effects of Virtual Reality with extrasensory stimuli on stress reduction, presence, and immersion: a pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Wilmink, J (2023) The effects of Virtual Reality with extrasensory stimuli on stress reduction, presence, and immersion: a pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

With a Virtual Reality experiment this study aims to investigate the stress-reducing benefits of adding extra sensory information to a standard audio-visual VR environment. The sensations of scent, temperature and wind are added to create an enhanced VR experience: VR+. VR+ is compared to standard VR in terms of its effectiveness in stress reduction and lowering anxiety, as well as its effects on affect. It is determined whether participants experience greater levels of presence and immersion in the VR+ environment. Results from 44 participants (19 participants in VR, 25 participants in VR+) indicate that both environments are effective at reducing stress, anxiety, and negative affect. There was neither a difference between VR and VR+ in terms of their effectiveness for reducing stress, anxiety, and negative affect nor did it show a difference in presence or immersion. This is most likely because of a technical failure that prevented the extrasensory stimuli from functioning properly.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Fleer, J.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Psychology (CP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2023 09:36
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2023 09:36
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1681

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