Zeng Shaoting, Chen Liyi, Lan Suihong
College of Art and Design, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
Sci Rep. 2025 Mar 7;15(1):7936. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-92419-5.
The timely alleviation and healing of anxiety is crucial for preventing anxiety disorders. This study explores innovative digital approaches for anxiety relief by integrating virtual reality (VR) and multimodal interaction theories and technologies with psychodrama therapy and breathing therapy from psychology. The research proposes an innovative method of breathing interaction based on olfactory interaction modalities and designs breathing interaction semantics aimed at anxiety healing through three types of breathing therapy. Using the Unreal Engine, VR gamified scenarios and interaction logic for levels were constructed, leading to the development of a multimodal immersive software interaction system and a prototype for VR hardware interaction that extends the breathing interaction modality. The effectiveness of the system for anxiety relief was validated through an EEG experiment involving 38 participants, supported by analysis of Topographic Maps, Band-Power Reports, ERP analysis, and qualitative data from the USE scale. This research confirms that the innovative integration of VR and breathing interaction modalities is effective for anxiety therapy, aiding users in promptly alleviating anxiety and simplifying the psychological healing process.
及时缓解和治愈焦虑对于预防焦虑症至关重要。本研究通过将虚拟现实（VR）和多模态交互理论及技术与心理学中的心理剧疗法和呼吸疗法相结合，探索创新的数字焦虑缓解方法。该研究提出了一种基于嗅觉交互模态的呼吸交互创新方法，并设计了旨在通过三种呼吸疗法实现焦虑治愈的呼吸交互语义。利用虚幻引擎构建了VR游戏化场景和关卡交互逻辑，开发了一个多模态沉浸式软件交互系统以及一个扩展呼吸交互模态的VR硬件交互原型。通过一项涉及38名参与者的脑电图实验，结合地形图分析、频段功率报告、事件相关电位分析以及USE量表的定性数据，验证了该系统缓解焦虑的有效性。本研究证实，VR与呼吸交互模态的创新整合对焦虑治疗有效，有助于用户迅速缓解焦虑并简化心理治愈过程。
