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The Influence of Virtual Forest Walk on Physiological and Psychological Responses

Author

Listed:
  • Emad Alyan

    (Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia)

  • Theo Combe

    (Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia)

  • Dayang Rohaya Awang Rambli

    (Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia)

  • Suziah Sulaiman

    (Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia)

  • Frederic Merienne

    (Arts et Metiers Institute of Technology, LISPEN, HESAM Université, F-71100 Chalon-sur-Saône, France)

  • Nadia Diyana Mohd Muhaiyuddin

    (School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, University Utara Malaysia, Sintok 06010, Kedah, Malaysia)

Abstract

The authors of this paper sought to investigate the impact of virtual forest therapy based on realistic versus dreamlike environments on reducing stress levels. Today, people are facing an increase in stress levels in everyday life, which may be due to personal life, work environment, or urban area expansion. Previous studies have reported that urban environments demand more attention and mental workload than natural environments. However, evidence for the effects of natural environments as virtual forest therapy on stress levels has not yet been fully explored. In this study, a total of 20 healthy participants completed a letter-detection test to increase their stress level and were then randomly assigned to two different virtual environments representing realistic and dreamlike graphics. The participants’ stress levels were assessed using two physiological methods that measured heart rate and skin conductance levels and one psychological method through the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. These indicators were analyzed using a sample t -test and a one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that virtual forest environments could have positive stress-relieving effects. However, realistic graphics were more efficient in reducing stress. These findings contribute to growing forest therapy concepts and provide new directions for future forest therapy research.

Suggested Citation

  • Emad Alyan & Theo Combe & Dayang Rohaya Awang Rambli & Suziah Sulaiman & Frederic Merienne & Nadia Diyana Mohd Muhaiyuddin, 2021. "The Influence of Virtual Forest Walk on Physiological and Psychological Responses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11420-:d:668586
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Seong-Hee Jo & Jin-Seok Park & Poung-Sik Yeon, 2021. "The Effect of Forest Video Using Virtual Reality on the Stress Reduction of University Students Focused on C University in Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Muhammad Hizri Hatta & Hatta Sidi & Chong Siew Koon & Nur Aishah Che Roos & Shalisah Sharip & Farah Deena Abdul Samad & Ong Wan Xi & Srijit Das & Suriati Mohamed Saini, 2022. "Virtual Reality (VR) Technology for Treatment of Mental Health Problems during COVID-19: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-14, April.
    4. Muhammad Hizri Hatta & Hatta Sidi & Shalisah Sharip & Srijit Das & Suriati Mohamed Saini, 2022. "The Role of Virtual Reality as a Psychological Intervention for Mental Health Disturbances during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-17, February.

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