Skip to main content

Help us explore how VR and video mindfulness actions affect stress, anxiety, and confidence

We are researching how virtual reality (VR) and video-based mindfulness exercises impact stress, anxiety, and confidence in public-speaking situations.

Join this research study

Mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce stress, improve emotion regulation, and enhance performance in high-pressure situations.

However, little is known about whether the format of mindfulness delivery — such as VR or more traditional computer-based videos — can lead to different psychological outcomes in a public speaking context.

This study aims to explore how these two approaches influence people’s anxiety, stress levels, and self-confidence in performance-related situations. By understanding which method is more effective, we hope this research may help inform how mindfulness interventions can be designed and implemented in educational, workplace, and clinical contexts.

Take part in this research study

We’re recruiting volunteers for this study until 1 September 2026.

What you’ll do

You’ll be randomly assigned to experience either a VR or computer-based mindfulness session. Each session will last around 8 minutes.

After your activity, you’ll take part in a short public-speaking task.

Throughout the session, you will complete brief questionnaires to assess your mood, stress, self-confidence, focus, and mindfulness.

Some questions will focus on basic demographic information (age, gender, etc.).

Eligibility

To take part in this study, you must be 18 or older and:

  • fluent in English
  • have no history of epilepsy
  • have no contagious eye, scalp, or skin conditions
  • have no severe motion sickness
  • not be impaired by tiredness, medication, alcohol, or drugs
  • have no recent illness or surgery
  • not be pregnant

What you’ll get

Upon successful completion of the study, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

Psychology students

1st and 2nd year BSc (Hons) Psychology students will also receive one (1) Research Participation Scheme (RPS) credit for taking part. Please sign up to join the study using the RPS system.

Your data

We will treat all information that is provided as confidential and store it securely at the University of Bath in a locked room or on a password-protected file on the University’s secure server.

Storage of data will be done in accordance with current UK data protection legislation.

Recorded data will be stored securely and confidentially in the University archives for a minimum of 10 years. Your name, or any other identifying information, will not be disclosed.

Ethics approval

This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Bath. Reference number: 12683-15324

Do you want to take part?

Join this research study If you are a 1st or 2nd year BSc (Hons) Psychology student, please sign up to this research study through the RPS system. A link to this is in the 'Psychology students' section of this page.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this research study, please contact us.