Virtual Reality Greenspaces: Does Level of Immersion Affect Directed Attention Restoration in VR Environments?

Research on attention restoration theory has provided consistent results over the years, and exposure to nature been found significantly improve restore directed fatigue. However, rapid urbanisation made it increasingly difficult for human beings interact with unpolluted nature. Countries such as Singapore began integrate into city planning designs of buildings help resident satisfaction well-being. Local studies have had contradictory outcomes; residents report higher affect towards vertical integrated greeneries, but many would still prefer traditional on-the-ground foliage. Interest in outdoor greenspaces is variable because Singapore’s high heat humid climate make uncomfortable outside prolonged periods. The current study tested alternative modalities that can provide foliage interactions, without discomfort being outdoors. Virtual exposures different levels immersion (high low) types scenes (nature urban) were effects perceived presence, objective restoration. A total 120 adult participants completed study, which revealed a virtual reality-nature condition superior presence ratings. Immersive tendency did not presence; neither moderate relationship between its corresponding