Journal article
Virtual immersion in nature and psychological well-being: A systematic literature review
Journal of Environmental Psychology, Vol.80, pp.1-9
2022
Abstract
Immersion in nature provides various psychological benefits to well-being. Recent research examines whether these benefits can be replicated in virtual reality (VR). This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the psychological effects on well-being of virtual immersion in nature. Databases searched included Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, Psychnet, and Pubmed with inclusion of peer reviewed articles published in English, between 2015 and 2020 (inclusive to July 2020), in which the research design includes VR-based immersion in nature. A total of 21 quantitative studies were identified. Within these articles, most employed quantitative research methodologies within an experimental design. In regard to psychological well-being, some evidence suggests that virtual immersion in nature significantly decreases negative affect. Conversely, other research found no change or an increase in negative affect. Generally, no significant differences were noted for positive affect. Physiological indicators of stress responses to virtual immersion in nature varied. Overall, research exploring the use of virtual reality immersion in nature is limited and the replication of the potential benefits gained from real immersion in nature is poorly understood. Future research is required to advance understanding and knowledge of the outcomes of virtual immersion in nature on human well-being.
Details
- Title
- Virtual immersion in nature and psychological well-being: A systematic literature review
- Authors
- Sharon Frost (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyLee Kannis-Dymand (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyVikki Schaffer (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sustainability Research CentrePrudence Millear (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyAndrew Allen (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyHelen M Stallman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyJonathan Mason (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyAndrew Wood (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyJalasayi Atkinson-Nolte (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Journal of Environmental Psychology, Vol.80, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Academic Press
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101765
- ISSN
- 1522-9610
- Organisation Unit
- Engage Research Lab; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Centre; School of Business and Creative Industries; School of Health - Psychology; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99603207702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
158 Record Views
InCites Highlights
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Highly Cited Paper
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Studies
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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Source: InCites