The Effects of a Nature-Based Mindfulness-Compassion Intervention for Older Adults Delivered Using Virtual Reality

"The VR-Meditation intervention comprises an evidence-based 360-degree high-definition video VR application incorporating elements of nature, mindfulness and compassion. The VR-Meditation intervention is 4 weeks long and includes includes 4 different themes during the course of the program. Each week will focus on a distinct theme and will consist of two 20-minute VR sessions starting with a 10-minute guided meditation related to the weekly theme (one new meditation per week), followed by 10 minutes of open exploration of the virtual environment, for a total of 8 distinct sessions. The weekly themes are as follows:~* Week 1 - Mindfulness of the Environment~* Week 2 - Embodied Mindfulness~* Week 3 - Embodied and Embedded Compassion~* Week 4 - Mindfulness, Compassion, and the External Environment~In addition to baseline measures, participants in the VR Meditation condition will be asked to complete measures at mid-point (week 3), post-intervention (week 5), and follow-up (week 9)."

"The Psychoeducational Pamphlet intervention is 4 weeks long. Participants receive 1 pamphlet per week for a total of 4 different pamphlets. Handouts will provide information about managing stress and enhancing well-being, without referencing nature, mindfulness or compassion (e.g., eating habits, sleep hygiene, relaxation training, art exercises). The handouts will be based on empirical findings and will be written in accessible language with visual charts and specific practices to facilitate their implementation by participants. At the end of the study (i.e., after follow-up), Psychoeducation Pamphlet participants will receive access to the VR-Meditation program.~In addition to baseline measures, participants in the Psycho-educational Pamphlet condition will be asked to complete measures at mid-point (week 3), post-intervention (week 5), and follow-up (week 9)."