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Published on: January 18, 2021
Shifting perspectives: an investigation of a virtual reality awe experience in people going through cancer treatment
Purpose:
Evoking awe using virtual reality appears to be a promising intervention that has potential to positively impact physical and psychological well-being. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the acceptability and potential benefits of a VR experience of awe for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Methods:
Twenty cancer patients viewed a 5-min VR nature experience designed to induce awe and completed questionnaires assessing anxiety, symptom distress, spirituality, and connectedness to nature. Qualitative interviews assessed acceptability and ways to improve the intervention.
Results:
The VR experience effectively induced awe. Following the experience, participants reported decreased anxiety and symptom distress and increased feelings of spirituality and connectedness to nature. Participants enjoyed the experience and said they would use it again and would recommend it to others.
Conclusion:
VR nature interventions that induce awe are worthy of future investigation as a psychological approach to support cancer patients undergoing treatment.
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