University of Twente Student Theses
Out of the head, into healing with nature : exploring the role of specific features of nature on our well-being within Virtual Reality
Oran, Sandra (2022) Out of the head, into healing with nature : exploring the role of specific features of nature on our well-being within Virtual Reality.
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| Abstract: | Since the worldwide Covid-19 lockdowns, social isolation and mental health issues are becoming serious public health concerns. Inspired by the free resources of nature and it’s benefits, the present study explores to what extent wild/tended nature, and spaciousness can improve our well-being by walking in nature. This research aims at combining Virtual Reality with different types of natural environments that can reduce mental health related issues. By comparing the different types of environments, this study aims to find an environment that maximizes both stress reduction, the improvement of mood and connectedness to the world at large. To this end, participants walked in Virtual Reality video’s presenting natural environments varying in type of nature and level of spaciousness. Participants’ stress levels were measured by a questionnaire before- and after the virtual experience. High spacious environments reduced stress levels significantly. Furthermore, participants reported better moods, more connectedness to self- and community, and sensed less perceived body boundaries in high spacious nature versus low spacious nature. The effect of type of nature on stress level was not significant. However, participants did report less anxiety, and perceived more restoration in tended nature versus wild nature. These findings demonstrate that a high level of spaciousness in natural environments, especially in tended nature, is likely to form a powerful combination with great potential for improving well-being. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Studies MSc (60713) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/89773 |
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