Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Stress in Adolescents: Mixed Methods Usability Study

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Virtual Reality Applications
• Adolescent Psychology

Background:

• Adolescent mental health is a critical concern, with rising rates of anxiety and depression.
• There is a pressing need for scalable mental health solutions for teenagers.
• Self-administered, evidence-based technologies offer a timely approach to support adolescent well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, usability, and engagement of a participatory-designed, nature-based virtual reality (VR) environment.
• To evaluate the preliminary impact of the self-administered VR intervention on depression, mindfulness, perceived stress, and momentary stress and mood in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A 3-week, in-home study involving 44 adolescents using a nature-based VR environment with 6 evidence-based activities.
• Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys on stress, depression, mindfulness, and usability.
• Momentary stress and mood were tracked 5 times daily and before/after VR sessions.

Main Results:

• The VR intervention was feasible and engaging, with high usability ratings.
• Participants reported the VR tool was easy to administer, relaxing, and helpful for stress management.
• The VR environment significantly improved momentary mood and reduced momentary stress, with stress reduction increasing with VR use.

Conclusions:

• Self-administered VR shows potential as an effective intervention for reducing adolescent stress.
• Further research should explore barriers to VR use and incorporate participatory design for future mental health interventions.
• The findings inform VR environment design and support its role in adolescent mental healthcare.