Virtual nature: testing VR forest bathing for stress and recovery

A new strand of the lab’s health work asks a simple question: can a carefully designed virtual forest deliver some of the restorative effect of the real thing? Building on research into attention restoration, we are prototyping VR “forest bathing” experiences and measuring their effect on stress and cognitive recovery.

The work connects to the lab’s broader interest in XR for human good — using immersive technology not as spectacle, but as a tool for mental health, focus, and wellbeing. Study design emphasizes comfort, reduced motion, and access for participants who are new to VR.