Meghedi Vartanian

Equanimity, as a critical feature of well-being can be strengthened and Virtual reality (VR) can be employed to cultivate this capacity. No previous study has directly investigated the impact of different equanimity practices within VR and compared people’s preferences for different practices. This study was conducted to explore whether practicing equanimity within three VR scenarios can increase mind-body calmness. Three VR scenarios (<10 min) were developed. A within-subject study (n=75) was designed to assess impact of these practices in improving calmness indices. Participants were exposed to VR practice sessions combining sound of a teacher and three animation environments including Mountain, Ocean, and Sky facing with changes during a year or day. Participants’ experience of each session was assessed using heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, and self-reported ratings. Subjective state anxiety was also assessed at baseline and after the end of three VR sessions. Physiological indices were improved in Ocean practice compared to baseline and two other practices. Results showed that physiological indices during practices were correlated with self-reports of mindfulness, self-knowledge, and interoceptive awareness (p<.05). A significant reduction was observed in self-reported assessment of state anxiety. Generally, VR practices of equanimity were shown to induce mind-body calmness.