Multisensory VR Forest Revitalizes the Brain and Elevates Mood, Study Finds

A recent study has revealed that virtual reality nature experiences when designed to engage multiple senses—can significantly boost mood, improve working memory, and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. This aligns with growing research in ecopsychology and the known benefits of forest bathing or forest therapy, long practiced in Japan to relieve stress and support cardiovascular health.

The research team created a fully immersive nature immersion experience using high-quality 360° video footage captured in Sonnenberg, Europe’s largest Douglas fir forest. The virtual environment was enriched with natural forest sounds and the aroma of Douglas fir essential oils, simulating a realistic sensory journey through the forest. The goal was to test whether a virtual reality nature experience could reproduce the restorative effects traditionally linked with physical time spent in green spaces.

Multisensory Immersion Yields Stronger Psychological Benefits

More than 130 participants were first exposed to a stress-inducing protocol, after which they were placed in one of four virtual environments via VR headsets. Some experienced a full multisensory simulation—combining sight, sound, and scent—while others were exposed to just one sense at a time. Notably, multisensory immersion led to greater improvements in mood, a stronger feeling of connectedness to nature, and a measurable working memory improvement compared to single-sensory conditions.

These findings are significant in the context of neuronal plasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change through experiences. The study suggests that even in virtual settings, the brain responds positively to natural stimuli when delivered in rich, sensory formats.

Implications for Healthcare and Urban Living

Lead researcher Leonie Ascone from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf emphasized that while virtual nature cannot fully replace real-world forests, it can still trigger powerful emotional responses. This opens up new applications for virtual reality used in healthcare, particularly in environments where access to green spaces is limited, such as hospitals, clinics, or densely built urban centers.

Simone Kühn, senior author and director of the Center for Environmental Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, noted that integrating nature’s sights, sounds and smells through VR medical training or therapeutic installations could support mental health and cognitive performance in everyday life.

Kühn’s ongoing collaboration with researchers from Vienna, Exeter, and Birmingham has further shown that virtual reality nature content can reduce perceived physical pain in clinical patients, offering a compelling case for expanding the use of forest therapy principles in digital formats.

Bridging Technology and Nature

As urbanization continues to limit direct access to green spaces, innovative approaches like virtual forest bathing may provide scalable, accessible tools to promote nature and mental health. While more large-scale studies are needed, this research highlights the untapped therapeutic potential of blending nature immersion with cutting-edge VR technology.