This systematic review of 37 studies found that mindfulness-based immersive interventions (MBIIs), which combine immersive technologies with mindfulness practices, show promise for treating depressive disorders. Most studies (69%) reported greater improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms with MBIIs compared to conventional therapies, and 78% found improvements in psychological processes. A subset (67%) reported greater feasibility and acceptance for immersive approaches, while 89% noted improvements in physiological outcomes. However, the review highlights significant gaps, including variability in sessions and VR configurations, insufficient active controls, and limited long-term validation.
Breathing meditation delivered through virtual reality (VR) can reduce anxiety and stress while enhancing mindfulness. A new VR system, BreathMe, tested four breathing rhythms (4-2-4 G, 4-7-8 G, 5-0-5 G, 5-0-5 A) and three interaction modes (natural, guided, adaptive) in 40 college students. The 5-0-5 A rhythm consistently improved mindfulness and reduced both stress and anxiety; 4-2-4 G moderately reduced stress and anxiety; 5-0-5 G and 4-7-8 G mainly reduced stress. Adaptive interaction produced the largest gains in mindfulness and the greatest stress and anxiety reductions, guided showed moderate benefits, and natural had the least effect. Both rhythm and mode independently and jointly shape responses, guiding personalized VR meditation design.