Wearable Technology Aids in Daily Stress Management
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Synopsis
A recent study highlights how VR/AR technology can help individuals manage stress by simulating real-life scenarios and aiding in practicing stress-relief strategies, as reported by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University.
Key Takeaways
- VR and AR can simulate stressful scenarios for practice.
- Participants valued gaining self-awareness through technology.
- Control over guidance from a language model was preferred.
- Future updates will enhance avatar realism and interactivity.
- Headset portability is desired for immersive experiences.
New York, April 20 (NationPress) The virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology has the potential to replicate stressful scenarios and assist individuals in practicing effective stress-relief techniques, according to a recent study.
Common everyday situations can sometimes act as significant stressors, whether it’s giving an important work presentation, mingling at a gathering filled with unfamiliar faces, or having a difficult conversation with a partner. While speaking to a friend or therapist can provide support, practice is equally beneficial.
A collaborative project by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in the US sought to simplify this practice by leveraging VR/AR technology.
The research team, headed by Anna Fang from the School of Computer Science's Human-Computer Interaction Institute, evaluated their stress simulation technology on a group of 19 participants, most of whom expressed strong approval.
“Over the past 10 to 20 years, virtual reality and augmented reality have significantly influenced the health and mental health fields,” Fang remarked, referencing the numerous meditation applications available for users.
The team developed eight prototypes, each featuring different design elements for three distinct scenarios, leading to a total of 24 prototypes. These prototypes varied in form—ranging from virtual reality and mixed or augmented reality to a text-based platform devoid of visual cues—and provided varying levels of interaction.
Overall, Fang and her team discovered that users appreciated utilizing the technology to enhance their self-awareness. “They desired technology that could assist them in acquiring self-sufficiency skills they felt were lacking,” she stated.
Participants also expressed a preference for having control over when the large language model would offer guidance, rather than receiving it automatically.
Furthermore, they indicated a wish to use the headsets in different locations to enhance their immersion and comfort in stressful environments.
In the upcoming iteration, the team intends to improve the avatars for more realistic appearances and introduce additional text-to-speech features, allowing the avatars to communicate with users in a more natural manner.
