SEONMEDI VR Natural Meditation Program for University Students Experiencing Psychological Difficulties During the Pandemic: Effects on Heart Rate Variability, Perceived Stress, and Self-Compassion

A virtual reality natural meditation program combining Korean Seon meditation with natural scenery improved heart rate variability, perceived stress, and self-compassion scores in Korean university students who faced psychological difficulties from pandemic social distancing. Thirty-four students were randomly assigned to either the VR meditation or a no-treatment control group. The experimental group showed significantly increased heart rate variability each session and better stress and self-compassion scores compared to controls. Participants reported relief from daily pressures and increased relaxation. The program is suggested as a promising intervention for post-pandemic psychological support.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Objectives This study examined the effects of VR natural meditation program, a digital therapeutics technology, on Korean university students who experienced psychological difficulties due to social distancing measures during the pandemic. The intervention involved combining beautiful, natural scenery with Korean Seon meditation, and its effects on participants were measured, including changes in heart rate variability, levels of perceived stress and self-compassion scores. Methods To this end, 34 university students who were subject to social distancing were wirelessly assigned to the control group and the experimental group, and no special treatment was given to the control group. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, the study employed a pre- and post-heart rate variability (HRV) test on the experimental group every session and analyzed it using a paired t-test. Additionally, pre- and post-perceived stress and self-help tests were conducted on both the control and experimental groups, and the results were compared and analyzed through covariance analysis (ANCOVA). Results The study found that the heart rate variability of the experimental group increased significantly every session Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated significantly improved perceived stress and self-help scores compared to the control group after the VR natural meditation experience. Following the meditation, participants reported that they felt relieved of the pressures of daily life, including their studies and interpersonal relationships. They also reported increased levels of relaxation of body and mind, in addition to lower overall stress. Conclusions Based on these findings, SEONMEDI VR Natural Meditation Program is recommended as a promising intervention in the support of university students experiencing learning deficits and psychological difficulties in the aftermath of the pandemic.