Research Finds VR Near-Death Simulation Reduces Death Anxiety and Stress

• A study published in Frontiers in Virtual Reality found that a VR near-death experience reduced death anxiety and general stress in adult participants.
• Participants showed statistically significant decreases in both measures, with many describing the experience as calming, meaningful, or thought-provoking.

A recent study found that a virtual reality near-death experience helped reduce both death anxiety and general stress in adults. Conducted by researchers from Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University, and Olera Inc., the study was published in Frontiers in Virtual Reality. Drawing on principles of exposure therapy, the researchers tested whether an immersive VR simulation could provide a safe, controlled way to confront death-related fears and reduce psychological distress.

The study involved sixty-one adults who completed a first-person VR near-death experience (NDE). The 11-minute 360-degree video simulation began with a car accident and moved through scenes often described in near-death accounts, including floating above the body, passing through a tunnel of light, walking through peaceful landscapes, and seeing familiar faces. The simulation ends with the individual regaining consciousness and returning to life. Participants experienced either a narrated or non-narrated version of the simulation and filled out surveys before and after to measure changes in stress and death anxiety.

After the simulation, participants showed statistically significant decreases in both death anxiety and perceived stress. Some described the experience as calming or said it prompted new thoughts about dying. The findings build on earlier research showing how immersive VR can affect emotional and cognitive responses to death-related experiences. The authors noted that more research is needed to understand how this type of VR experience might work for different groups or in clinical contexts.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

VR’s power lies in letting us safely experience what we usually can’t. By simulating death, it may help people demystify it and reduce the fear that comes with it.

Source: Frontiers in Virtual Reality