Restorative effect of interactive virtual reality natural environment experience on psychophysiological responses

Abstract

In this study, the restorative effect of a natural environment experience simulated with interactive virtual reality technology on the psychophysiological response was investigated. Three simulated virtual reality stimuli were selected: a green-dominated area, green and water combined area, and water-dominated area. Free movement was permitted to provide interaction in virtual reality, and an appropriate sound environment was provided in real time to each space through 3-D sound technology. Fifty subjects experiencing the normal levels of stress or depression participated in this study. The aim was to locate the most restorative point in the natural environment, and the physical properties at each point were quantified. In addition, to collect psychological responses, subjects were asked to respond to a restoration questionnaire based on the attention restoration and stress reduction theory and a questionnaire on soundscape and landscape perception. Concurrently, various physiological responses, such as heart rate, electroencephalogram, and eye tracking, were measured. Finally, the relationship between physical characteristics and psychophysiological responses was investigated. Based on this, guidelines were presented on how to create a virtual reality natural environment for stress recovery.