Virtual Healing: Application of Augmented Reality Games in Pet Loss Syndrome

Abstract: As pets gain increasing significance in family life, pet loss syndrome has emerged as a mental health concern that demands urgent attention. When their pets pass away, many pet owners physically and psychologically isolate themselves, which makes it challenging to process unpleasant feelings in a healthy way. The purpose of this study is to investigate and explore how augmented reality (AR) game design can help users cope with the psychological trauma and emotional challenges caused by pet deaths. This study utilized user research, prototype design, user testing, and comparative research to develop and evaluate the usability and healing effects of the AR game. The research results indicate that this AR game has unique advantages in interactivity, immersion, and personalized experience. It can effectively provide users with emotional support, death education, and life enlightenment, helping them deal with negative emotions and gradually accept the reality of losing their pets. This study not only provides a new perspective for the treatment of pet loss syndrome, but also opens up new directions for the application of virtual therapy in the field of mental health, emphasizing the potential of electronic therapy games in emotional healing.