Mixed Reality-Based Interaction between Human and Virtual Cat for Mental Stress Management

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality
• Psychology
• Animal-Assisted Therapy

Background:

• Human-animal interaction (HAI) is known to reduce stress and improve mood.
• Physical animal interaction faces limitations, including care requirements and pandemic restrictions.
• Virtual animal interaction presents an accessible alternative for stress reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and experimentally verify mixed reality (MR)-based human-animal interaction content.
• To evaluate the effect of MR virtual animal interaction on mental stress reduction.
• To assess the impact on participants' psychological state and emotional well-being.

Main Methods:

• Participants underwent a mental arithmetic task to induce acute mental stress.
• Intervention groups experienced either MR virtual animal interaction (gestures, voice) or a slideshow of animal images.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) was continuously recorded, and psychological state was assessed via questionnaires.

Main Results:

• MR-based interaction with virtual animals significantly reduced mental stress.
• Participants engaging with virtual animals reported a significant increase in positive emotions.
• ECG data and questionnaire responses corroborated the stress-reducing effects of MR-HAI.

Conclusions:

• Mixed reality virtual animal interaction is an effective method for mitigating mental stress.
• This technology shows potential for widespread application in mental health interventions.
• MR-based HAI offers a scalable and accessible approach to emotional well-being.