St George’s University of London has pioneered an innovative approach to enhancing student mental health by utilizing virtual reality sessions to alleviate stress and anxiety. The initial findings of this groundbreaking work will be presented at the A Metaverse for the Good conference in Barcelona.
Recent studies show a significant increase in students in the UK disclosing mental health conditions to their universities. In response to this concerning trend, the use of virtual reality experiences like the one developed by Phase Space Ltd in collaboration with St George’s, University of London, offers a promising solution to address the escalating mental health challenges faced by students.
The VR content incorporates effective stress management techniques, such as hypnosis, breathing exercises, and visualization, optimized for VR immersion. Through captivating visuals and immersive technology, the VR experience helps users achieve a state of deep relaxation and calmness in just minutes.
In a trial involving St George’s healthcare students, those who engaged in VR sessions exhibited significant improvements in their feelings of calmness, stress levels, and anxiety compared to a control group. The VR intervention resulted in enhanced student wellbeing and reduced perceived stress levels.
Feedback from students who participated in the VR sessions indicated positive therapeutic effects on their emotional wellbeing, with many expressing increased feelings of calmness, confidence, and rejuvenation. Subsequently, the Student Union at St George’s plans to provide regular VR sessions to help students manage stress during exam periods.
Dr. Aileen O’Brien, leading the initiative at St George’s, envisions VR becoming an integral component of student support services, enhancing mental health resources for students in higher education institutions. Zillah Watson, co-founder of Phase Space, emphasized the commitment to evidence-based solutions for improving youth mental health in collaboration with St George’s.
Funded by UKRI Innovate UK as part of the Mindset program, the research aims to expand the use of VR technology in universities nationwide, promoting mental wellbeing among students and fostering a culture of holistic support in higher education.
