VR Users Are More Relaxed and Optimistic during COVID Lockdown than Others

Erik Geslin,Erik Hammer

doi:10.5539/cis.v15n1p47

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown how the confinement period linked to the health situation of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) has been psychologically destructive for many people. These psychological disorders are generally linked to confinement and isolation. At the same time, virtual reality tools are becoming more popular, the level of immersion in cheap HMD (Head Mounted Display) helmets today allows access to a satisfactory level of presence. Our theory, widely supported by substantial literature, is that the regular use of immersive Virtual Reality during periods of confinement could allow users to better endure the psychological constraints. We observed the correlation between the weekly use of HMD Virtual Reality headsets, during the COVID-19 confinement period and the levels of well-being of users. Our study involved n = 56 participants divided into two groups of users and non-users of HMD headset. They answered 2 SWEMWBS and ONS questionnaires plus a social trust question. The results show a significant correlation between the use of virtual reality headset during COVID-19 lockdown and the level of relaxation and optimistic feeling but also a correlation between this use of VR (Virtual Reality) HMD and the feeling of being less close to others during the same period.

Highlights

Following the pandemic1 caused by the Sars-CoV2 2019-2022, numerous studies have shown that whatever the country, the constraints of the different phases of lockdown have largely negatively influenced the mental health of many people (Grover et al, 2020; Ćosić et al, 2020)
Starting from the postulate that cognitive behavioral interactions can be linked to emotional conditioning (Damasio, 2000), we assume that in an ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) scheme, the stimuli introduced by Virtual Reality (VR) (Virtual reality), consciously and unconsciously allow users to provoke the conditions for a positive emotional state change, in a lockdown context which is negative (Grover et al, 2020; Ćosić et al, 2020)
The results show a greater sense of relaxation in regular VR headset users, this may be due to the sense of telepresence and presence which allows one to virtually escape the stressful conditions of isolation or loss of freedom due to COVID-19 lockdown

Summary

Introduction

Following the pandemic caused by the Sars-CoV2 2019-2022, numerous studies have shown that whatever the country, the constraints of the different phases of lockdown have largely negatively influenced the mental health of many people (Grover et al, 2020; Ćosić et al, 2020). The I2 virtual reality combination of Immersion and Interaction (Fuchs, 2006), as well as the phenomenon of presence described by Slater (2018) as the level of immersion of the users which is subordinated to the addition of Pi, the Place Illusion: “I am here!” and PSi, Plausability: “it's real!”, involve the use of many mental cognitive processes. These same cognitive processes linked to the functions of knowledge are used daily in the phenomena of regulation of moods and emotions. Immersive virtual reality, allowing the simulation of freewill and the freedom of action and wandering, could appear as an effective replacement solution for periods of lockdown, whether due to pandemics or for other social or health reasons

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Conclusion