A small pilot study measured changes in stress and death anxiety after a single virtual reality session. About 60 young adults who were architecture students took part. The research was published in Frontiers in Virtual Reality and led by Zhipeng Lu and his doctoral student, Parya Khadan.
Participants completed surveys before and after one 12-minute VR session. After the session they reported a 75% decrease in their fear of death. The simulation followed common reports of near-death experiences and used 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 they could not cross.
Students showed lower stress and changed reflections on life and relationships. Some described relaxation and renewed focus on loved ones, but a few reported higher anxiety. The team plans to expand research to terminally ill patients and people with mental health challenges, while noting the need for caution.
Difficult words
- pilot study — small early research to test a method
- death anxiety — strong worry about dying or death
- virtual reality — computer-created environment experienced with a headset
- simulation — an imitation of real events or experiences
- out-of-body — feeling that your mind is outside your body
- terminally ill — having a disease that cannot be cured
- caution — care to avoid danger or problems
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try a 12-minute VR session that shows a near-death experience? Why or why not?
- How could a decrease in fear of death change a person’s life or relationships?
- Why do you think the researchers want to study terminally ill patients next, and what should they consider before doing that?
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