Evaluation of a novel interactive virtual reality environment for mindfulness skills training

Although virtual reality (VR) has been shown to be an acceptable and feasible format for mindfulness training, most evidence to date is based on use of passive 3D-video environments and typically single-use evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sustained mindfulness practice in a fully interactive bespoke 3D VR environment. This mixed-methods study compared mindfulness data from pre-registration healthcare students using a VR-based mindfulness intervention programme with an audio mindfulness control. Participants completed the State Mindfulness Scale after each week’s experience and were invited to an interview to gather qualitative data for triangulation. A total of 32 participants consented to participate and 21 completed both arms of the study to provide their paired state mindfulness scale scores. There was a significant (p = 0.0002) improvement of just under 5% in mindfulness score for the VR cohort compared to the control cohort. 15 participants undertook interviews; themes from these related to the “Impact” of the VR environment, “Engagement” with mindfulness and “Immersion” in the environment. An interactive VR-based mindfulness intervention is effective at increasing mindfulness in health sciences students. VR enabled users to escape from reality and immerse themselves in a relaxing environment; in turn this increased adherence and motivation with the practice. Users appreciated the value of being able to interact with the environment, find their own space within it and focus their practice on VR-based objects and sounds.