Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Interactive vs. Non-Interactive Virtual Nature on Cognitive Performance and Mental Health in College Students

A quasi-experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of exposure to interactive and non-interactive virtual nature on stress, mood, and cognitive performance among university students. A control group exposed to a white wall was included, and connectedness to nature was added as a potential covariate. The results showed that exposure to virtual nature, especially interactively, had effects on increasing reported happiness and on reducing stress and tenseness. However, there were no effects on energy, calmness, and the digit span test results. The trail test part a and b results were both improved in the post-exposure measurement in the control group, and part b after exposure to nature non-interactively, but not interactively. The results suggest that exposure to nature through virtual reality can have benefits for some indicators of well-being, and further research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms and potential effects on other aspects of cognitive functioning.