VR Embodiment for Stress Evaluation in a Return to Work Simulation

A Randomized Controlled Single Blind Parallel Study, Evaluating Embodiment in a VR Scenario Designed to Elicit Stress in a Return to Work E-vironment.

Comparing the emotional effect of two different versions of one VR experience. The VR experience will simulate a typical return to work situation after an absence due to burnout.

The difference of the VR scenario is the point of view. In the first version, the 'standard' version, the user is looking at the VR experience from a neutral point of view, as if s/he was watching a 2D screen. In the second version, the 'embodiment' version, a VR features is added to have the user feeling incarnated in a digital human. This will enhance the feeling of being present in the virtual world and will enhance the emotional answer. The measured endpoint will be the evoked emotions, in particular stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• working in the office building where the study will be conducted

Exclusion Criteria:

• neurologic disorder precluding the use of VR goggles (epilepsy, …),
• facial wounds precluding the use of VR goggles.
• a preliminary test evaluating the stress level will be conducted, DASS -21: stress levels above moderate is an exclusion criteria