Efficacy of the Virtual Reality-Based Stress Management Program on Stress-Related Variables in People With Mood Disorders: The Feasibility Study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a VR-based stress management program on people with mood disorders. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Singapore, and a convenience sample of 22 was recruited. The program comprised three daily 1-hour sessions incorporating psychoeducation and VR-based relaxation practice. Participants who Completed the program had significantly lowered subjective stress (t = 6.91, p < 0.001), depression (t = 5.62, p < 0.001), and anxiety (t = 5.54, p < 0.001); and increased skin temperature (F = 17.71, p < 0.001), perceived relaxation (F = 26.20, p < 0.001) and knowledge (F = 13.77, p < 0.001). Participants' feedback on the program was positive. Findings from this study contribute to improving clinical practice and serve as preliminary data to conduct more rigorous research in the future. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.