Pre–Post Changes Associated with Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness in Reducing Work-Related Stress Among Corporate Employees
Laria-Maria Trusculescu, Andreea Mihaela Kiș, Ramona Amina Popovici, Andreea Sălcudean, Dana Emanuela Pititc, Adina Feher, Alexandra Enache, Iustin Olariu
Digital April 25, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/digital6020034 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 134 |
| Population | Corporate employees from multinational companies reporting moderate to high stress |
| Intervention | Virtual reality-based mindfulness |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | VR-based mindfulness was associated with significant reductions in physiological stress markers (heart rate, skin conductance) and improvements in self-reported relaxation, reduced tension, and mental clarity after a single session. The authors suggest it may be a complementary stress management approach but call for controlled and longitudinal research. |
Abstract
Work-related stress is a significant concern among employees in multinational corporations, where workloads and performance expectations are high. This study examines pre–post changes associated with a Virtual Reality (VR)-based mindfulness intervention designed to support stress management after a workday. A sample of 134 corporate employees from multinational companies reporting moderate to high stress participated in the study. Physiological indicators, including heart rate and skin conductance, were recorded before and after the VR session, alongside self-reported measures of perceived stress and relaxation. The intervention consisted of immersive VR environments integrating guided breathing, calming narration, and natural landscapes. Results indicated significant reductions in physiological stress markers following the intervention compared to baseline levels, accompanied by improvements in self-reported relaxation, reduced tension, and enhanced mental clarity. These findings suggest that VR-based mindfulness is associated with short-term reductions in both physiological and perceived stress. VR-based mindfulness may represent a complementary and non-invasive approach to stress management in individuals exposed to high occupational demands. Future research using controlled designs and longitudinal approaches is needed to evaluate the sustained effects of repeated VR sessions and their integration into corporate wellness programs.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cites 11
- Individual participant data systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials assessing adult mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion in non-clinical settings. Nature Mental Health July 10, 2023
- Mindfulness-Based and Mindfulness-Informed Interventions at the Workplace: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of RCTs. Mindfulness May 11, 2023
- Examining the Use of Virtual Reality to Support Mindfulness Skills Practice in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research December 6, 2024
- Psychological and physiological health outcomes of virtual reality-based mindfulness interventions: A systematic review and evidence mapping of empirical studies. Digital health 2024
- Virtual Reality as an Interactive Tool for the Implementation of Mindfulness in University Settings: A Systematic Review Multimodal Technologies and Interaction October 11, 2024
and 6 more in the library