Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction in VR: Visualising Meditation Performance using Real-time EEG Neurofeedback

Abstract

The application of immersive technologies in self-directed stress management is receiving growing attention in recent research. Nevertheless, the use of physiological signals to provide continuous and interpretable feedback within immersive environments remains relatively under-explored. This study proposes an integrated approach to stress management, by combining Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) within a Virtual Reality (VR) environment with real-time neurofeedback-driven performance visualisation. Thus, users engage in guided mindfulness exercises in immersive VR settings, while their relaxation levels are continuously monitored using electroen-cephalogram (EEG) signals acquired through a Brain–Computer Interface (BCI). These relaxation levels are further utilised as input to the VR system, to dynamically visualise users’ meditation progress in real-time. A preliminary evaluation suggests positive user experiences in terms of usability and functionality among participants with different levels of experience with VR and meditation. In conclusion, this work contributes a cross-modal interaction design that links physiological signals with generative visual feedback, and provides initial evidence for its potential in supporting affective self-regulation.