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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
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Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
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How virtual urban green spaces influence stress and risk-taking
Sanaz Dorri Sedeh1,2, Vladimir Kosonogov1,3, Nadezhda Kerimova1,4
1International Laboratory of Social Neurobiology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.
Frontiers in Psychology
|April 17, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality park walks effectively reduced self-reported stress compared to highway or control videos. Immersive nature experiences in urban settings show promise for stress recovery.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Virtual Reality Applications
- Urban Well-being
Background:
- Urbanization limits access to nature, increasing population stress.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers a scalable method to simulate natural environments for stress reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if immersive 360° videos of urban environments aid stress recovery.
- To assess the impact of virtual nature on risk-taking behavior.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-six participants underwent stress induction.
- Participants viewed 360° videos of a park, highway, or control via VR headsets.
- Physiological (heart rate, skin conductance) and self-reported stress were measured, alongside risk-taking behavior.
Main Results:
- Self-reported stress decreased significantly after viewing the urban park video compared to highway or control.
- Physiological stress markers (heart rate, skin conductance) were lower in the park condition versus the highway.
- No significant effects on heart rate variability or risk-taking behavior were found.
Conclusions:
- Brief exposure to virtual urban green spaces promotes stress recovery after acute stress.
- Virtual nature experiences are particularly effective compared to highly arousing urban virtual environments.
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