Evaluating a virtual reality–delivered mindfulness intervention for anxiety: a mixed-methods study in real-world community and school settings
Sima Rafiei, Kristof Santa, Nicola Honey, David Tully, Barbara Mezes
Frontiers in Psychiatry December 11, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1669287 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Exploratory pre-post mixed-methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 53 |
| Population | Young people in schools, community organisations, and youth mental health services |
| Duration | Six sessions delivered approximately once per week, depending on site scheduling |
| Measures | adapted Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), participant diary entries |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Self-reported anxiety symptoms decreased significantly across six VR mindfulness sessions, with a mean GAD-7 change of 4.88 and a large effect size (Cohen's d = 2.06). Qualitative accounts highlighted relaxation, emotional relief, and improved self-regulation, and the immersive format appeared to engage young people who had struggled with traditional mindfulness. The authors describe these as preliminary evidence of impact and acceptability. |
Abstract
Introduction: , a six-session VR mindfulness programme designed for young people, delivered in real-world school and community environments.
Methods: Using an exploratory pre-post mixed-methods design, data were collected from 53 participants across schools, community organisations, and youth mental health services. Recruitment was facilitator-led and internal to each site. Quantitative data were gathered before and after each session using an adapted Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), while qualitative reflections were obtained from participant diary entries. Sessions were delivered approximately once per week, depending on site scheduling.
Results: Participants showed a significant reduction in self-reported anxiety symptoms across sessions (mean GAD-7 change = 4.88; Cohen's d = 2.06). Qualitative themes highlighted relaxation, emotional relief, and improved self-regulation. The immersive format appeared particularly engaging for individuals who had found traditional mindfulness approaches challenging.
Discussion: Findings provide preliminary evidence of impact and acceptability of immersive VR mindfulness in youth and community contexts. While results suggest promise for future scalable applications, broader feasibility depends on access to VR hardware, training of facilitators, and setting-specific implementation support.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- A brief virtual reality-based mindfulness intervention can improve olfactory perception while reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in university students Humanities and Social Sciences Communications March 3, 2025
- Understanding How Virtual Reality Can Support Mindfulness Practice: Mixed Methods Study Journal of Medical Internet Research September 6, 2019
- Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention With and Without Virtual Reality Dialectical Behavior Therapy® Mindfulness Skills Training for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Primary Care: A Pilot Study Frontiers in Psychology January 28, 2019
- Meditation experts try Virtual Reality Mindfulness: A pilot study evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of Virtual Reality to facilitate mindfulness practice in people attending a Mindfulness conference. PLoS One November 22, 2017