Comparing Virtual Reality, Video, and Audio-Guided Meditations in Fostering Positive Attitudes toward Meditation

Objectives

The present study aimed to test the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology to promote positive attitudes toward mindfulness and to enhance motivation to practice mindfulness.

Method

Participants (n = 409) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) VR-based meditation, (2) video-based meditation, (3) audio-based meditation, and (4) magazine article reading about meditation as a control group. All three of the meditation conditions featured the same script and audio.

Results

Participants in each of the three mindfulness conditions reported an increase in state mindfulness and positive affect, and a decrease in negative affect. Compared to participants who meditated using video or audio clips, participants who meditated using VR reported mindfulness meditation to be more interesting, fun, enjoyable, and less boring. There were no differences in whether participants were distracted, mind wandering, or were absorbed in the meditation across the groups. Participants' self-reported intention to practice mindfulness meditation in the next month and their actual behavior did not differ across the groups.

Conclusions

VR meditation could be useful in fostering positive mood and attitudes in regard to mindfulness practice compared to other technology-assisted meditations, but these changes are not necessarily accompanied by stronger intention to meditate in the future.