Using a Virtual Reality CAVE-Based Mindfulness Intervention to Promote Mental Well-Being in Adolescents With Anxiety Symptoms: Pre-Post Mixed Methods Pilot Study.
JMIR Formative Research June 12, 2026 Clare Tsz Kiu Yu, Alex Pak Lik Tsang, Kelly Ka Yu Chan et al.
An 8-week group-based mindfulness intervention delivered in a CAVE virtual reality environment was feasible and acceptable for adolescents with mild-to-moderate anxiety in Hong Kong. Attendance was high, with no dropouts or adverse events. No significant changes were found in self-reported distress, anxiety, depression, stress, or trait mindfulness. However, significant improvements in heart rate variability indices—standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals and root-mean-square of successive differences—suggest preliminary enhancements in physiological stress regulation. Qualitative feedback indicated perceived benefits in emotional regulation, stress reduction, focus, and sleep, with the immersive environment and group format as key facilitators.