Pause & Refresh: formative evaluation of a virtual nature initiative to tackle stress among university students.
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| Title: | Pause & Refresh: formative evaluation of a virtual nature initiative to tackle stress among university students. |
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| Authors: | Wolter-Paulsen, Sandra (AUTHOR), Didriksen, Synne Menes (AUTHOR), Litleskare, Sigbjørn (AUTHOR), Calogiuri, Giovanna (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of American College Health. Feb2026, Vol. 74 Issue 2, p494-503. 10p. |
| Subjects: | Scale analysis (Psychology), Nature, Research funding, Qualitative research, Data analysis, Focus groups, Sensory stimulation, Evaluation of human services programs, Universities & colleges, Questionnaires, Fatigue (Physiology), Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U Test, Virtual reality, Surveys, Thematic analysis, Psychological stress, Research methodology, Statistics, Intention, Psychology of college students, Recreational therapy, Data analysis software, Affect (Psychology), Health promotion |
| Abstract: | Background: Immersive Virtual Nature (IVN) can provide psychological benefits such as stress relief and foster engagement with nature. Methods: Through a mixed methods approach with sequential explanatory design, we conducted a formative evaluation of an IVN initiative for university students, including a prototype testing trial (n = 54), focus groups with students and experts (n = 7), and a workshop with representatives of the Student Welfare Organization. Results: The integrated findings indicated that the IVN experience was associated with stress relief and increased nature connectedness, though its potential to encourage nature visits was limited. Some issues (e.g., a wish for more variation) and technical challenges (e.g., somewhat poor video and sound quality) were highlighted, alongside suggestions on how to best deliver the initiative on campus. Discussion: This study provides novel knowledge about IVN as a means of health promotion among university students, emphasizing the value of adopting participatory approaches when designing IVN-based initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Background: Immersive Virtual Nature (IVN) can provide psychological benefits such as stress relief and foster engagement with nature. Methods: Through a mixed methods approach with sequential explanatory design, we conducted a formative evaluation of an IVN initiative for university students, including a prototype testing trial (n = 54), focus groups with students and experts (n = 7), and a workshop with representatives of the Student Welfare Organization. Results: The integrated findings indicated that the IVN experience was associated with stress relief and increased nature connectedness, though its potential to encourage nature visits was limited. Some issues (e.g., a wish for more variation) and technical challenges (e.g., somewhat poor video and sound quality) were highlighted, alongside suggestions on how to best deliver the initiative on campus. Discussion: This study provides novel knowledge about IVN as a means of health promotion among university students, emphasizing the value of adopting participatory approaches when designing IVN-based initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07448481 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07448481.2025.2537104 |
