A pilot randomized controlled trial compared a standard mindfulness-based programme (MBP), the same programme enhanced with virtual reality (MBP+VR), and a relaxation control condition in 51 non-clinical adults. All three conditions significantly reduced psychological distress. MBP+VR was more acceptable than relaxation and equally acceptable as MBP alone. MBP+VR outperformed relaxation in reducing psychological distress with a large effect. MBP alone produced greater improvements in depressive symptoms, positive affect, and several facets of mindfulness and self-compassion. MBP+VR improved total mindfulness, the observing facet, and the self-compassion mindfulness subscale. Participants in MBP+VR also showed improvements in state mindfulness and emotional states across VR sessions, reporting an intermediate sense of presence. The authors conclude that further research is warranted.
A single multi-person virtual reality experience can induce a state of selflessness—where the sense of self as the immediate subject of experience fades—and enhance interpersonal connectedness. It also increases low-arousal positive affect and warmth, and generates mystical and peak experiences in a notable subset of participants. The experience is widely accepted, with few adverse effects reported. This offers a cost-effective, non-pharmacological alternative to meditation and psychedelics for cultivating selflessness.
A replication study with 45 participants (average age 22.9 years; 30 men, 15 women) tested a mobile virtual reality (VR) mindfulness breathing meditation combined with biofeedback over six consecutive days (average session length 8 minutes 52 seconds). Positive effects were observed on diaphragmatic breathing, breathing awareness, heart and respiratory rates, momentary relaxation, burnout symptoms, and relaxation-related self-efficacy. Several benefits persisted one week and one month after the intervention. High user satisfaction confirmed the feasibility of the VR intervention. The authors argue that replication studies are important for demonstrating the health effects of VR-based mindfulness breathing meditation with integrated biofeedback.
A first-person visual perspective in virtual reality body-scan meditation increased perceived body schema change, but did not affect acceptance of virtual body ownership or control/agency. Audio perspective had no effect on these outcomes. Participants with low immersive tendencies experienced greater body schema change in the first-person visual condition than in the third-person condition. Few participants could articulate their experience in terms of audio. The findings extend understanding of altered self-representations for mindfulness and the design of sound, perspective, and embodiment in virtual reality.