Applying Virtual Reality in Mindfulness Exercises for Emotion Regulation and Mental Health Among Inpatients With Behavioral Issues: A Feasibility Study

Purpose This study evaluated the feasibility of incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) technology into meditation exercises and using Electrocardiogram (ECG) devices for emotion regulation assessment. It also explored changes in emotion regulation, depression, and anxiety among participants. Design A single-arm feasibility study. Subjects Psychiatric hospital inpatients diagnosed by physicians with major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder in the Midwestern United States (n = 25). Intervention VR meditation exercises 3 times weekly for 10 weeks. Measures Physiological coherence, as an indicator of regulated emotional state, was assessed using ECGs, while depression and anxiety were measured through survey questionnaires. Analysis Paired t-tests were employed to analyze changes in emotion regulation, depression, and anxiety. Results After 10 weeks, significant increases were observed in physiological coherence, suggesting more regulated emotional states (M = −35.25, SD = 22.25, 95% CI [−40.63, −29.86], Cohen’s d = −1.58). Reductions were also noted in depression (M = 3.48, SD = 3.29, 95% CI [1.84, 7.51], Cohen’s d = 1.06) and anxiety (M = 3.12, SD = 4.03, 95% CI [1.45, 4.78], Cohen’s d = 0.77). Conclusions VR is a feasible technology for meditation exercises, with observed associations with more stable emotional states, and reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, while the application of ECG-based assessment further addresses methodological shortfalls in this population. These results highlight the potential of applying VR technology in mindfulness exercises to leverage inherent digital healthcare strengths, such as user-centered care and tailored treatment.