Virtual exposure to natural versus urban environments: a pilot study on impacts on self-compassion, self-protection, and self-criticism
Abstract This study explored the effects of a virtual forest environment compared to a virtual urban setting on key psychological factors, including self-compassion, self-protection, self-criticism, and stress. Designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial, the study included 28 adult participants...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15009-5 |
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| Summary: | Abstract This study explored the effects of a virtual forest environment compared to a virtual urban setting on key psychological factors, including self-compassion, self-protection, self-criticism, and stress. Designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial, the study included 28 adult participants who were randomly assigned to either the virtual forest or virtual city condition. Results from the Self-Compassion and Self-Criticism Scale indicated a significant increase in state self-compassion and a decrease in state self-criticism within the Forest Group. Notably, state self-criticism also decreased in the City Group. However, participants in the City Group experienced a significant increase in perceived stress and a decline in trait compassion, as measured by the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scale. These findings suggest that virtual forest bathing may serve as a valuable therapeutic intervention, promoting self-compassion – recognized as a transdiagnostic factor for mental well-being – while reducing self-criticism, a known transdiagnostic factor of psychopathology. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |