Restorative Effects of Virtual Nature After Acute Stress: A Psychophysiological Study in University Students

This project investigates the short-term restorative effects of immersive virtual nature exposure following acute cognitive stress. Using a randomized crossover design, the study assessed heart rate variability (HRV) and psychological traits (e.g., depression, anxiety, mindfulness, life satisfaction) in a non-clinical sample of university students. Participants underwent a cognitive stressor followed by either passive rest or a virtual reality nature experience. Results explore the autonomic recovery patterns and how individual psychological profiles influence physiological responses. The study contributes to the growing field of digital nature and its applications in stress management and mental well-being. This research is part of a master's thesis conducted at the Graduate Program in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience (PPGNeC) of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB).