Abstract
The purpose of this study is to conduct an experiment to determine if Virtual Reality (VR) can reduce stress levels and heart rates in research participants. Participants for this study were Truett McConnell University students. Heart rates were taken before the virtual reality device was placed on the head, during the virtual reality session and after the virtual reality session. A questionnaire was administered to each participant about feelings of stress and relaxation. Data analysis showed that there was a significant decrease in heart increase in heart rates of students during the virtual reality session and after the virtual reality session. The results from this study showed that the use of virtual reality exposure on college students at Truett McConnell University significantly reduced heart rates and self-reported levels of stress and relaxation. Students not only reported to have lower heart rates, but also that they were feeling more relaxed and less stressed when using VR.
Keywords: virtual reality, heart rate, stress, relaxation, experiment.
Additional information
Author information
Jonathan Newton is a student in the Leonhart Schiemer School of Psychology and Biblical Counseling program. He is expected to earn a bachelors degree in Psychology 2020.