Effects of interaction with cetaceans on human psycho-emotional state in the real world and in virtual reality

<p><strong>Context and relevance.</strong> This study examines the impact of animal therapy (namely, human interaction with marine animals such as dolphins and beluga whales) on the psycho-emotional state of a person in the real world and in virtual reality (VR). The perspectivity of VR methods application as a partial replacement of dolphin therapy is substantiated. The object of the study is the psychoemotional state of people interacting with cetaceans, and the subject is microchanges in the emotional state of people after interaction with cetaceans. <strong>The hypothesis</strong> of the study was the assumption that both real and virtual “communication” of a person with marine mammals of higher cognitive development have a positive impact on the psychoemotional sphere of a person. Interaction of a person with beluga whales in virtual reality is able to influence the emotional state of a person, namely, it leads to improvement of mood, well-being, increased activity, increased degree of expression of positive emotions and decreased degree of expression of anxious-depressive emotions. <strong>Methods and materials.</strong> The questionnaire of well-being — activity — mood and the Differential emotions scale by K. Izard were used as diagnostic methods. <strong>The results </strong>of the study confirm the positive effect of interaction with dolphins and beluga whales on human emotional state, as well as the effectiveness of using VR technologies in this area.</p>