Virtual reality relaxation for people with mental health conditions: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose Vulnerability to stress is linked to poor mental health. Stress management interventions for people with mental health conditions are numerous but they are difficult to implement and have limited effectiveness in this population. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation is an innovative intervention that aims to reduce stress. This review aimed to synthesize evidence of VR relaxation for people with mental health conditions (PROSPERO 269405). Methods Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science were searched until 17th September 2021. The review was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool assessed methodological quality of studies. Results Searching identified 4550 studies. Eighteen studies (N = 848) were included in the review. Studies were published between 2008 and 2021. Eleven were conducted in Europe. Thirteen studies were controlled trials. Participants were mostly working-age adult outpatients experiencing anxiety or stress-related conditions. Other conditions included eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Five studies tested inpatients. All studies used a range of nature-based virtual environments, such as forests, islands, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and most commonly, beaches to promote relaxation. Studies provided evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effectiveness of VR relaxation to increase relaxation and reduce stress. EPHPP ratings were ‘strong’ (N = 11), ‘moderate’ (N = 4), and ‘weak’ (N = 3). Conclusions VR relaxation has potential as a low-intensity intervention to promote relaxation and reduce stress for adults with mental health conditions, especially anxiety and stress-related problems. Further research is warranted on this promising intervention.

Investigating a multi-session virtual reality relaxation intervention for mental health staff: protocol for a feasibility and acceptability study

“…I would like to be able to sleep better) (Turner-Stokes and Williams, 2010). An aim with this training goal is to enable participants to put into practice in the real world what they had learned about their relaxation in VR (Riches et al, 2023a(Riches et al, , 2023b.…”

“…VR relaxation is a technique whereby experiences of pleasant and calming environments are accessed through a head-mounted display (HDM) to promote relaxation (Riches et al , 2021). Research indicates its potential as a low-intensity intervention to promote relaxation and reduce stress in people with mental health difficulties (Riches et al , 2023a). The provision of VR relaxation facilities in the workplace may provide a pragmatic approach to enabling employees to de-stress, relax and optimise their mental well-being and may consequently reduce turnover and improve stress-related sick leave across health-care services (Riches and Smith, 2022).…”

Effect of Relaxation-Based Virtual Reality on Psychological and Physiological Stress of Substance Abusers under Detoxification: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The potential advantages of using VR as a relaxation technique have been explored through various studies. One of the main bene ts of VR relaxation is that it requires minimal effort in terms of attention and concentration, as the immersive nature of VR can help to alleviate stress and anxiety (Riches et al, 2023). Moreover, VR relaxation can be used independently, even in rehabilitation centers, making it a promising option for individuals seeking to manage their stress levels.…”

Stepping inside the whispers and tingles: multisensory virtual reality for enhanced relaxation and wellbeing

“…VR relaxation shows promising results to support positive wellbeing in both the general population and clinical samples ( 8 , 9 ). It primarily involves users viewing calming nature scenes, such as beaches, mountains, and forests, using a head-mounted display that provides audio and visuals in a three-dimensional format.…”