Examining the Use of Virtual Reality to Support Mindfulness Skills Practice in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Mixed Methods Study.
Rebecca Blackmore, Claudia Giles, Hailey Tremain, Ryan Kelly, Fiona Foley, Kathryn Fletcher, Maja Nedeljkovic, Greg Wadley, Elizabeth Seabrook, Neil Thomas
Journal of Medical Internet Research December 6, 2024 DOI: 10.2196/45640 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | Adults with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder |
| Intervention | VR-supported mindfulness practice |
| Duration | Single brief session |
| Topics | Depression Meditation Anxiety |
| Keywords | Anxiety disorders Bipolar disorder Mood disorders Virtual reality |
| Citations | 23 |
| Key points | VR-supported mindfulness significantly increased state mindfulness and reduced negative affect and state anxiety in individuals with mood or anxiety disorders, with no significant change in positive affect. |
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as a technology to support mindfulness practice through promoting increased engagement and presence. The proposed benefits of this technology have been largely unexamined with clinical populations. Further research is required to understand its clinical potential and utility in improving and managing mental health symptoms. This study aims to investigate the proximal impacts of a single, brief, VR-supported mindfulness practice for individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder and to understand user experiences, which may affect the acceptability and efficacy of VR mindfulness for this population. This mixed methods study recruited 28 participants with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder. Participants completed a mindfulness practice wearing a VR headset that was presenting an omnidirectional video of a forest scene, which was overlaid with a guided audio voiceover. Before and after the practice, measures were completed assessing state mindfulness (Toronto Mindfulness Scale), affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1; n=27). Semistructured interviews were then held inquiring about the user experience and were analyzed using thematic analysis (n=24). After completing the VR-supported mindfulness practice, both measures of state mindfulness on the Toronto Mindfulness Scale, mean curiosity and decentering, increased significantly (Cohen d=1.3 and 1.51, respectively; P<.001). Negative affect on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Cohen d=0.62; P=.003) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1 state anxiety (Cohen d=0.84; P<.001) significantly reduced. There was no significant change in positive affect (Cohen d=0.29; P=.08). Qualitative analysis of interviews identified 14 themes across 5 primary theme categories. The results suggested that being mindful during the use of the app was experienced as relatively effortless because of the visual and immersive elements. It was also experienced as convenient and safe, including when compared with prior traditional experiences of mindfulness. Participants also identified the uses for VR-supported mindfulness in managing emotions and symptoms of mental illness. The results provide preliminary evidence that VR-supported mindfulness can improve emotional states and manage mental health symptoms for those with mood or anxiety disorders. It offers some potential clinical applications for those with mood or anxiety disorders for exploration within future research.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- A systematic review on mindfulness-based immersive interventions in depressive disorders npj Mental Health Research April 2, 2026
- Mindfulness and meditation: Promoting emotional and cognitive health. Progress in Brain Research 2025
- The Psychological Reconstruction of Mindfulness: From Buddhist Origins to Modern Operationalization Human Arenas May 7, 2026
- Brief Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality Mindfulness Breathing Exercise for Emotional Well-Being and Cognitive Functions in University Students: Within-Subjects Experimental Design Study JMIR XR and spatial computing March 25, 2026
- Effects of virtual reality mindfulness interventions on depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis European Journal of Psychotraumatology May 26, 2026
and 4 more in the library
Cites 21
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- The toronto mindfulness scale: Development and validation Journal of Clinical Psychology 2006
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse Psychotherapy Research March 1, 2003
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
and 16 more in the library