A mental health improvement program using virtual reality has been launched at the Opole University of Technology. It can be used completely for free by students at all universities in Opole, in southwestern Poland, the Polish state news agency PAP reported. Its development was based on the results of the work of Dr. Sebastian Rutkowski from the Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy.
"The project is based on a study we conducted among students at the Opole University of Technology. There were questions regarding stress levels, symptoms of depression during the pandemic, and remote learning. Nearly 800 students took part in it. The research results surprised scientists, as almost 60 percent of the respondents had an increased level of stress, 56% of students reported depressive symptoms, over 77% expressed fear about the future, approximately 60% felt sadness and depression, as well as nervousness and irritability, 60% - deterioration of social contacts. What was most disturbing was the fact that as many as 18% of students indicated that they had suicidal thoughts," explained Dr. Rutkowski.
Based on the research, the scientists decided to use virtual reality to improve students' mental state. Pupils from the scientific club supervised by Dr. Rutkowski participated in the program's development. One of the students working in the "Descartes' Error" group is Aleksandra Nowakowska.
"Of course, the Opole University of Technology guarantees specialist help from a psychologist and a psychiatrist, but students may feel ashamed or afraid of meeting a specialist. Our participants wear VR glasses and watch the film. There are several videos to choose from. They usually show various places, such as mountain landscapes, forests, or sea waves. During the film, the narrator gives commands, e.g. to take a deep breath. It lasts for up to 15 minutes. Both before and after the film, the student calms down for a few minutes. The program lasts five days," Nowakowska reported.
During therapy, the participant wears a belt with a heart rate sensor. Data collected during the session will be used for scientific purposes.
The project to improve students' well-being using virtual reality received support as part of the ministerial competition "Student scientific clubs create innovations".
(aj)
SOURCE: PAP, IAR
