Mixed-reality-based human-animal interaction can relieve mental stress

Area of Science:

• Human-computer interaction
• Virtual reality
• Mental health

Background:

• Animal interaction offers therapeutic benefits, but physical limitations and safety concerns (e.g., COVID-19) necessitate alternative approaches.
• Mixed-reality (MR) offers a novel platform for human-animal interaction (HAI), potentially mitigating risks associated with real-world engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of MR-based virtual cat interaction content in reducing mental stress.
• To compare the effects of different levels of virtual cat interactivity (visual, audiovisual feedback) on psychological and physiological stress responses.

Main Methods:

• Three types of MR virtual cat content were developed: passive observation, visually interactive, and audiovisual interactive.
• Thirty healthy young women participated in a stress-induction task (mental arithmetic) followed by exposure to each MR content type.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) and psychological questionnaires were used to assess stress reduction and emotional state.

Main Results:

• MR-based virtual cat content significantly reduced mental stress and increased positive emotions post-stress.
• Audiovisual feedback from the virtual cat yielded the greatest activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and the largest increase in positive emotions.
• All tested MR content types demonstrated a stress-reducing effect compared to baseline.

Conclusions:

• MR-based virtual animal interaction is a viable method for mental stress reduction.
• The level of interactivity, particularly audiovisual feedback, significantly enhances the therapeutic effects of virtual HAI.
• Further research is warranted to explore MR-HAI as a potential substitute for traditional HAI in mental health management.