Examining virtual meditation as a stress management strategy on college campuses through longitudinal, quasi-experimental research

College students are experiencing high stress and psychopathology, yet often avoid counseling. This project tested whether virtual reality (VR) meditation could serve as a proactive mental health intervention. Using a longitudinal quasi-experimental design with biometric feedback, the Perceived Stress Scale, and self-reports, the study found that meditation sessions were perceived as effective and led to drops in perceived stress and heart rate. However, these drops were not attributable to the meditation method itself; there was a hint that sound-only or self-guided meditation was more effective than VR meditation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Levels of student stress and psychopathology are greater than ever before and the need for mental health support is increasing. Because students themselves are often reluctant to seek out counselling and/or treatment [Eisenberg, D., E. Golberstein, and S. E. Gollust. 2007a. “Help-seeking and access to mental health care in a university student population.” Medical Care 45 (7): 594–601. doi:10.1097/MLR.0b013e31803bb4c1], preemptive interventions that proactively address personal well-being are necessary. Virtual Reality (VR) tools may provide a unique opportunity to promote student health through an affordable and immersive meditative platform. This project examines the effectiveness of VR meditation and immersive mindfulness through a longitudinal quasi-experimental research design. Biometric feedback, combined with Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS) and participant self-reports, informs the potential for VR interventions on college campuses. Results indicated that VR could be an effective intervention method; meditation sessions were perceived as effective and outcome measurements from the meditation sessions showed meaningful influence. Both CPSS and heart rate dropped due to meditation. However, the drops were not attributable to meditation methods. There was a hint that sound only or self-guided meditation was more effective than VR meditation method.