The effect of nature-based virtual reality activities on perceived restoration, stress and mood

The aim of this thesis is to determine the effect of an interactive nature activity in harmony with the virtual nature environment on mood, stress and perceived restoration. In this context, a between-subject experimental study was designed. The effects of fishing activity in VR nature were compared with 360-degree VR video and flat-screen video conditions. 87 healthy adult participants participated in the study. The virtual environment used in this study is a realistic simulation of Gosam Lake in South Korea and is provided by a commercial VR game. Unlike many previous studies, multi-sensory stimulation was provided by performing vibratory tactile stimulation as well as visual and auditory stimuli in the VR environment. The results showed a greater increase in positive affect in both VR conditions compared to the non-immersive flat screen nature condition. Similarly, the negative affect decreased more in VR conditions than in flat screen condition. However, the effects of active VR Recreation and passive VR Video conditions on positive and negative affect did not differ significantly. When the physiological indicators were examined, HF and HR values increased significantly in all three groups. In the study, LF/HF value showed a significant decrease only in the VR recreation group. No change was observed in the blood pressure levels of all groups. According to the results, VR nature environments created equal restoration, enjoyment and presence levels. The sense of presence and enjoyment levels in the VR groups are higher than in the flat screen group. As a result of the mediation analysis, perceived enjoyment has a mediating role between the sense of presence and positive affect. In conclusion, interactive VR nature experience effectively regulates mood and reduces stress, similar to passive VR experience, and can contribute to the well-being of people. The research results can be used in the development of new VR tourism and VR recreation applications.