Virtual EMO-Mind: Exploring the Benefits of Virtual Mindfulness for Heart Rate Variability and Emotional Skills in Young Students
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback January 3, 2026 Amaiur Olarza, Goretti Soroa, Aitor Aritzeta et al.
A short virtual reality-based mindfulness programme improved heart rate variability and emotional skills in primary school children aged 9-12 years. Heart rate variability measurements across four sessions showed increased high frequency power and physiological coherence, indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity and relaxation. Emotional skills improved, particularly emotional clarity and the ability to repair emotions. Younger children (Year 5) showed greater heart rate variability gains than older peers, likely due to higher emotional plasticity. These findings suggest that virtual reality-based mindfulness can support better physiological and emotional regulation in children.