Virtual Forest Bathing: A New Way to Reduce Stress Through Immersive Technology

Recent research conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in collaboration with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has revealed promising insights into the potential of virtual forest experiences to enhance emotional well-being and reduce stress. The pilot study demonstrates that virtual nature exposure, especially when it stimulates multiple senses such as sight, sound, and smell simultaneously, can have significant positive effects.

The study involved over 130 participants who first underwent a stress induction process using distressing images. They then experienced different virtual forest bathing scenarios via VR headsets. Some participants experienced a full multisensory environment that included visual imagery, natural sounds, and the scent of Douglas fir essential oils. Others were exposed to stimuli targeting only individual senses, such as sight alone, sound alone, or scent alone, with the remaining virtual environment kept neutral.

Findings showed that participants who experienced the combined sensory stimuli reported the greatest improvement in mood and a stronger feeling of connectedness to nature. Additionally, there was a modest enhancement in working memory, indicating some cognitive benefits. These results highlight that engaging multiple senses in virtual nature experiences can amplify emotional and cognitive recovery from stress.

The virtual forest scenes were captured using high-quality 360-degree VR video in Europe's largest Douglas fir forest near Parchim. This immersive approach aims to mimic real-world forest environments, capitalizing on the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, which has been used therapeutically to lower blood pressure and reduce stress.

Experts suggest that such multisensory virtual experiences could be particularly beneficial in settings with limited access to nature, such as hospitals, clinics, or urban spaces. By integrating visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli, these applications could serve as accessible tools to support mental health and emotional resilience.

Lead researcher Leonie Ascone emphasizes that although virtual nature cannot fully replace real immersion, it can still evoke profound emotional effects beneficial for mental health. Further studies with larger samples are needed to establish the widespread applicability and understand the underlying mechanisms.

In conclusion, the study underscores the potential of digital, multisensory nature experiences to offer restorative benefits, helping to improve mood, reduce stress, and possibly enhance cognitive functioning in various environments.