The effectiveness of immersive VR 360 mindfulness for the reduction of stress and burnout among teachers

Purpose Teaching is a demanding profession with educators often experiencing high levels of stress, leading to burnout and associated negative outcomes such as diminished job satisfaction and compromised health. Enhancing social and emotional competence through mindfulness practices has shown promise in mitigating these effects. However, the demanding schedules of teachers often impede regular mindfulness practice. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers a novel solution by providing an immersive environment conducive to mindfulness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-assisted mindfulness practices among educational professionals. Design/methodology/approach This study evaluated the effectiveness of VR-assisted mindfulness practices among 35 educational professionals. Participants, recruited via email, completed pre- and post-intervention surveys and engaged in a 10-min mindfulness session using an Oculus Go headset, which simulated a 360-degree forest environment accompanied by audio-guided practice. Findings The findings suggest that VR can be an effective tool for facilitating mindfulness among teachers, offering a more accessible and engaging way to practice. This study underscores the importance of the quality of the virtual environment and relevant audio cues in enhancing mindfulness experiences. However, limitations include the small sample size and single-session intervention. Future research should explore larger-scale studies, long-term effects and improvements in VR hardware to enhance comfort. Originality/value VR technology has the potential to serve as an effective adjunct to traditional mindfulness training, helping educators manage stress and prevent burnout. These insights contribute to the growing literature on VR-assisted therapies and provide a foundation for future research.