Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) interventions have become a promising therapeutic modality to improve the prevalent mental health problems among college students. Despite the growing evidence, a comprehensive meta-analysis is absent. To evaluate the effectiveness of VR interventions on anxiety, stress, and negative emotions in college students, a meta-analysis was conducted. Sixteen randomized controlled trials published between 2014 and 2023 with 46 records and 1022 participants were analyzed. Significant VR intervention effects on anxiety (Hedge’s g = 0.492, p < 0.001), stress (Hedge’s g = 0.344, p = 0.028), and negative emotions (Hedge’s g = 0.461, p = 0.001) among college students were found. The meta-regression analysis revealed that the number of sessions, intervention type, and mean age significantly moderated the effect size. This study offered initial empirical evidence of VR interventions’ effectiveness in reducing anxiety, stress, and negative emotions in college students. Future research directions and methodological suggestions are proposed.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.