A pilot study involved about 60 young adults who were students in a college architecture program. Each person completed surveys before and after a single 12-minute virtual reality session that aimed to mimic a near-death experience.
After the session participants reported a 75% decrease in fear of death and also lower stress levels. The virtual simulation had three stages: an out-of-body sensation after a car accident, travel through a channel of light with memory flashbacks, and arrival at a peaceful landscape with a barrier.
Many students said the experience felt relaxing and made them think about loved ones. A minority felt more anxious. Researchers want to test the method with other groups carefully.
Difficult words
- survey — a set of questions to get people's answerssurveys
- mimic — to copy actions or events closely
- near-death experience — a situation when someone almost dies
- out-of-body sensation — feeling of being outside one's body
- flashback — a sudden memory of a past eventflashbacks
- minority — a smaller number or smaller group
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would you feel after a 12-minute virtual session like this?
- Would you try this virtual reality experience? Why or why not?
- Who should researchers test the method with next?
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