Virtual reality-based compassion meditation for clinical contexts: A co-design study of a loving-kindness meditation prototype
Abstract
Aims: This study introduces and evaluates a virtual reality (VR) prototype designed for the Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM) to support
mental health rehabilitation and relaxation in clinical contexts. The aims include the co-creation of a VR-based mindfulness experience with
clinical experts and the evaluation of its usability, user experience, and short-term effects on relaxation, affect, and self-compassion.
Methods: Following a design thinking and co-creation approach, the VR-based LKM experience was developed iteratively with input from
clinicians and computer scientists. The final prototype was implemented for the Meta Quest 3 and included five immersive scenes
representing phases of the LKM and transition scenes guided by a professionally narrated audio track. Eleven participants (M = 36.5 years,
SD = 14.6) experienced the 12-minute session. Pre- and post-session measures included relaxation, positive and negative affect schedule,
and self-compassion, complemented in the end by the Igroup Presence Questionnaire, usability measures and a semi-structured qualitative
interview.
Results: Participants reported significant decreases in negative affect (t(10) = -2.512, p = .0307, d = -1.037) and stress (t(10) = -3.318, p = .007,
d = -1.328), as well as increases in relaxation (t(10) = 5.487, p < .0001, d = 2.471) and self-compassion (t(10) = 2.231, p = .0497, d = 0.283).
Usability was rated as excellent (M = 92.5), and presence as good (M = 4.0, SD = 0.43). Qualitative feedback described the experience as
calming, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to engage with, highlighting the falling leaves and pulsating orb as effective design elements.
Conclusion: The co-designed VR-LKM prototype was perceived as highly usable and beneficial for inducing relaxation and self-compassion,
suggesting its potential as a supportive tool for clinical mindfulness interventions. The results indicate that immersive VR can effectively
facilitate engagement and emotional regulation, providing a foundation for future clinical trials and broader implementation in therapeutic
and wellness settings.
Mehr zum Titel
| Titel | Virtual reality-based compassion meditation for clinical contexts: A co-design study of a loving-kindness meditation prototype |
|---|---|
| Medien | Empathic Computing |
| Band | 2 |
| Verfasser | Alejandra Quiros Quiros-Ramírez, Sarah Haberland, Tobias Hempel, Richard Arlt, Paul Keune, Prof. Dr. Stephan Streuber |
| Seiten | 202523 |
| Veröffentlichungsdatum | 01.01.2026 |
| Zitation | Quiros-Ramírez, Alejandra Quiros; Haberland, Sarah; Hempel, Tobias; Arlt, Richard; Keune, Paul; Streuber, Stephan (2026): Virtual reality-based compassion meditation for clinical contexts: A co-design study of a loving-kindness meditation prototype. Empathic Computing 2, 202523. DOI: 10.70401/ec.2025.0014 |