VRZM: Exploring the Effect of Zen Meditation on EEG Patterns in Immersive Environments

There is growing interest in developing virtual reality (VR) applications for mental health therapies. However, the investigation of the effectiveness of meditation in VR environments for mental health issues like stress remains mostly unexplored. This study seeks to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the influence of VR-guided Zen meditation (VRZM) on stress levels. 40 individuals were randomly divided into two between-subjects groups: one engaged in VRZM (N = 20), while the other received just a VR immersive environment without the Zen meditation's audio (VR; N = 20). The study explored the impact of VRZM on stress via EEG patterns and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - 21 (DASS - 21). The results indicated significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress levels in the VRZM group but not in the VR group. Moreover, VRZM induced a pronounced increase in the frontal alpha-to-temporal theta ratio, indicating enhanced relaxation, contrasting with no significant change in the VR group. The results suggested the effectiveness of VRZM meditation in promoting calmness and its potential efficacy in mental health interventions. We highlight the implications of VRZM for alleviating mental health problems like stress.