Comparative Analysis of Relaxation Effects through Natural Experiences Using a VR Device

Relaxation through a natural environment in virtual worlds is proposed for easily experiencing forest-bathing. However, creating the virtual worlds requires costs such as the time to create and technical capabilities. In this study, we compare the relaxation effects of experiencing natural environments using three types of media: a 360-degree video, a 360-degree image, and virtual reality. The purpose is to explore methods for making mental health care with a VR device more accessible. In our approach, we measure stress levels by experiencing natural environments using a VR device by five indicators: electroencephalogram (EEG), heart rate, salivary amylase, the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and a subjective stress questionnaire. As a result, no significant differences were found in the relaxation effects of different media for all indicators. The result suggests that the 360-degree video and the 360-degree image, which can be created at a lower cost, may have almost the same relaxation effect as virtual reality.