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Exploring the Restorative Effects of Natural Environments in Virtual Reality

Author

Listed:
  • Silvia Marocco

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Valeria Vitale

    (Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
    CIRPA—Centre for Interuniversity Research in Environmental Psychology, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Elena Grossi

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Fabio Presaghi

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Marino Bonaiuto

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    CIRPA—Centre for Interuniversity Research in Environmental Psychology, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Alessandra Talamo

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Natural environments are known to foster positive emotions and well-being, while Virtual Reality (VR) represents a powerful tool to explore such effects. This study investigates the restorative potential of virtual natural environments for emotional recovery, combining self-report and physiological measures. Fifty-two participants were divided into three Natural groups—formed spontaneously based on their preferred natural scenarios—and a Neutral group—exposed to a neutral scenario. The results reveal that virtual natural scenarios effectively restored positive emotions (valence) after exposure to arousing stimuli. Both neutral and natural scenarios reduced arousal, but the physiological data show higher activation in Natural groups. Interestingly, this activation was positively appraised, supporting emotional recovery. These findings confirm the restorative potential of VR nature, with nuanced arousal effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Marocco & Valeria Vitale & Elena Grossi & Fabio Presaghi & Marino Bonaiuto & Alessandra Talamo, 2025. "Exploring the Restorative Effects of Natural Environments in Virtual Reality," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-26, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:535-:d:1625765
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