2024/12/20 by Hyowon Yoon, Jin Yong Jeon · 1 voice
Environmental Science · Health Professions · Neuroscience · Psychology · #Acoustics #Cognitive psychology #Computer science #Human–computer interaction #Neuroscience #Noise Effects and Management #Perception #Psychology #Soundscape #Urban Green Space and Health #Urban Heat Island Mitigation #Virtual reality
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s10055-024-01087-9
openalex publication_date 2024/12/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
This study aimed to examine the psychophysiological restoration effects of experiencing a virtual natural environment by investigating the factors influencing soundscape perception in audiovisual elements and proposing a restoration model based on psychological and physiological responses. Four types of virtual environments (green, lake, stream, and waterfall areas) were developed for the visual component, and the soundscape included bird, insect, and water sounds from the forest. A total of 16 virtual reality (VR) environments were presented to subjects in a laboratory setting to evaluate natural and soundscape perceptions and examine heart rate variability (HRV) as a quantitative physiological indicator. A significant correlation was observed between the perception of connection to the natural environment and psychological and physiological indicators, with changes in HRV parameters (specifically, an increase in the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals and a decrease in the temporary stationarity index) observed before and after the VR experience. The study proposes a structural equation model for psychophysiological restoration, confirming that audiovisual satisfaction through positive perception and high immersion in the environment is a significant indicator of psychological and physiological reactions. These findings provide evidence that virtual natural environments can serve as effective mental health restoration environments, similar to actual natural environments.