VR tourism: EEG insights into relaxation & detachment

Abstract

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Although the restorative effects of virtual reality (VR) tourism experiences are widely recognized, knowledge of the neural mechanisms of different VR experiences and mental recovery processes is limited. This study investigated the effects of nature-based (relaxing) and adventure-oriented VR tourism experiences on psychological detachment and relaxation. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to three VR groups: relaxing, adventure, and control. Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements were recorded while participants watched the 360-degree videos. Time-resolved, frequency-specific EEG oscillations revealed the effects of the videos on brain activity. Adventure VR enhanced detachment and increased beta power through an attention-based mechanism. In contrast, relaxing VR enhanced relaxation and increased alpha power by reducing physiological arousal. Three-minute VR tourism experiences are an effective tool for supporting recovery. • VR tourism experiences provide psychological detachment and relaxation. • Beta power is associated with psychological detachment and alpha with relaxation. • Adventure VR group has the highest psychological detachment score and beta power. • Relaxing VR group has the highest relaxation score and alpha power. • Three-minute VR tourism experiences provide effective recovery.