A Novel Virtual Reality-Based Nature Meditation Program for Older Adults’ Mental Health: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Isabel Sadowski, Marianne Meilleur-Bédard, Bassam Khoury
Clinical Gerontologist March 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2025.2482089 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods, two-arm, open-label pilot randomized controlled trial Pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Older adults (mean age 75.1 years, SD 6.58) |
| Duration | 4-week, 8-session program; 4-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The EEMCF-VR program met feasibility benchmarks (recruitment targets achieved, attrition under 15%) and was well tolerated with minimal simulator sickness and high acceptability. Compared with controls, the virtual reality group reported significantly lower stress and negative emotions at midpoint and 4-week follow-up. The authors conclude the program warrants investigation in larger trials. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objectives The rapid aging of the global population necessitates innovative interventions to address older adults’ mental health. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 4-week, 8-session nature-mindfulness-compassion program using immersive virtual reality (Embodied-and-Embedded-Mindfulness-Compassion-Framework – Virtual-Reality (EEMCF-VR)) for older adults’ mental health.
Methods: Following a mixed-methods, two-arm, open-label RCT design, 24 older adults (Mage = 75.1, SD = 6.58) were randomly assigned to EEMCF-VR (n = 12) or a psychoeducational pamphlet control group (n = 12). Participants completed self-report assessments of stress, positive and negative emotions, coping self-efficacy, psychosocial well-being, mindfulness, and nature connectedness at baseline (T1), midpoint (T2), post-intervention (T3), and 4-week follow-up (T4). Additionally, the EEMCF-VR group completed program feedback (T3) and simulator sickness (T1-T3) questionnaires.
Results: EEMCF-VR met feasibility benchmarks (recruitment targets achieved, attrition < 15%) and was well-tolerated (minimal simulator sickness). Participant feedback indicated high acceptability. The EEMCF-VR group reported significantly lower stress and negative emotions at T2 and T4 compared to controls. Qualitative analysis highlighted perceived benefits and components to retain (e.g. video content) or refine (e.g. headset weight).
Conclusions: EEMCF-VR demonstrated feasibility and acceptability, with promising effects on stress and mood, warranting investigation in larger trials. Clinical Implications EEMCF-VR shows potential as a scalable intervention to reduce older adults’ emotional distress.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 11
- The application of virtual reality meditation and mind-body exercises among older adults. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- Brief Virtual Reality Mindfulness is More Effective than Audio Mindfulness and Colouring in Reducing Stress in University Students Mindfulness February 1, 2024
- The feasibility and effectiveness of virtual reality meditation on reducing chronic pain for older adults with knee osteoarthritis Pain Practice September 1, 2022
- The effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) based mindfulness training on improvement mental-health in adults: A narrative systematic review. Explore August 1, 2022
- Effects of mindfulness meditation interventions on depression in older adults: A meta-analysis Aging & Mental Health July 15, 2020
and 6 more in the library