JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Urban green spaces support mental health, yet access is often limited for city residents; virtual reality offers a promising indoor alternative, but evidence on sustained mental health effects of longer-term virtual reality nature exposure remains limited.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a 12-week virtual reality green environment intervention in alleviating mental health symptoms among urban residents.

Methods:

A non-randomized control-group pretest–posttest design was used with healthy urban adults aged 20–50 years. The experimental group received 30-minute weekly virtual reality green environment sessions for 12 weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Mental health outcomes were assessed using standardized self-report questionnaires and analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Results:

Of the 60 participants recruited, 55 completed the study, with 30 in the experimental group and 25 in the control group. Significant group-by-time effects indicated that the experimental group showed reductions in (B = -5.17, p = .027), depression (B = -2.37, p = .003), anxiety (B = -3.20, p = .050), and somatization (B = -6.27, p = .004). , whereas the control group showed symptom deterioration; no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that virtual green-environment exposure may offer a feasible and acceptable adjunct for supporting psychosocial well-being among adults living in urban settings.