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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Psychol.
Sec. Mindfulness
Volume 15 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1472780
This article is part of the Research Topic Applications of Mindfulness in Media and Communication Studies View all articles

Virtual Reality vs. Imagery: Comparing Approaches in Guided Meditation

Provisionally accepted
Minkyung Jo Minkyung Jo Eunha Kim Eunha Kim *Jaeyeon Lee Jaeyeon Lee
  • Ajou University, Suweon, Republic of Korea

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Introduction: This study compared the influence of virtual reality (VR)-based and traditional (e.g., imagery-based) guided meditation on stress and concentration levels among South Korean adults. In addition, we examined whether concentration levels differed between individuals who are new to meditation and those who are experienced. Methods: Seventy participants were randomly assigned to either the VR or imagery condition, where they engaged in breathing and waterfall concentration meditation. Pretest and posttest measures of heart rate (HR), galvanic skin response (GSR), negative affect, and concentration during meditation were recorded. Results: Both VR-and imagery-based guided meditation significantly reduced HR, GSR, and negative affect. However, no significant differences in outcomes were observed between the two groups. Still, participants in the VR condition reported higher concentration levels during meditation, particularly novice meditators. In addition, qualitative feedback indicated that VRbased meditation was more effective in inducing positive emotions, such as calmness and enjoyment. Discussions: While both VR-and imagery-based guided meditation effectively reduce stress and negative affect, VR-guided meditation shows promise for enhancing concentration, particularly for novice meditators.

    Keywords: virtual reality, imagery, Guided meditation, novice meditators, concentration

    Received: 30 Jul 2024; Accepted: 11 Nov 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Jo, Kim and Lee. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Eunha Kim, Ajou University, Suweon, Republic of Korea

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