Assessing the Acute Effects of Virtual Reality Interventions on Stress

Assessing the Acute Effects of Virtual Reality Interventions on Stress: A Four-Arm RCT

A Four-Arm RCT, testing the acute effects of a Virtual Reality (VR)- based slow-paced breathing intervention on subjective and physiological markers of stress. The investigator hypothesize that combining slow breathing with immersive, mystical-type VR elements will result in the greatest stress reduction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• > 60 points on the PSQ-30 out of a maximum 120-point scale in the screening
• Healthy
• Aged between 18-35
• Fluent in German

Exclusion Criteria:

• A current diagnosis of psychiatric disorders (self-reported)
• Chronic medication use (except oral contraceptives)
• Parallel participation in another medical or psychological study
• Suicidal tendencies (PHQ-9 item 9 > 0)3
• PHQ-9 score ≥ 10
• A visual impairment not corrected by glasses or contact lenses