[In these stressful times, the topic of this story from Medical News Today is particularly important. The story describes a new study that compared the positive effects of experiencing nature via TV, 360 video and VR, with interesting results regarding the role of presence. The full article is available without subscription from the Journal of Environmental Psychology. See also a related April 2020 ISPR Presence News post. –Matthew]
[Image: Credit: Donald Iain Smith/Getty Images]
Virtual reality nature boosts positive mood
Watching nature on an ordinary television relieves boredom and negative emotions, according to a study. But interacting with nature in virtual reality (VR) leads to greater improvements in positive mood and nature connectedness.
Written by James Kingsland on October 21, 2020
Fact checked by Rita Ponce, Ph.D.
Many people say they notice the psychological benefits of reconnecting with nature during the COVID-19 pandemic — whether in their backyards, in public parks, or in the countryside.… read more. “Study: Presence mediates VR nature effects on positive mood and nature connectedness”