The Impact of Virtual Environments on Restorativeness and Affect

Abstract The present study examined the impact of virtual reality experience of an urban versus a natural environment on affect and restorativeness. Participants were randomly assigned to experience a natural environment through 360-degree interactive virtual reality or an urban environment through 360-degree interactive virtual reality. Virtual reality experience of a natural environment compared to virtual reality experience of an urban environment resulted in higher levels of positive affect and a greater perception of restorativeness. Restorativeness was a mediating path between virtual reality experience of a natural or urban environment and positive affect. Trait connectedness to nature showed a trend toward interacting with experience of a natural or urban environment's impact on positive affect. Virtual reality technology may have the potential to enhance well-being. Key Words: Affect—Nature—Restorativeness—Urban—Virtual reality.

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