A virtual reality test anxiety program significantly altered self-perceived anxiety (p<0.001) and heart rate variability (p=0.002) in school-aged children.
Does a virtual reality (VR) test anxiety program improve self-perceived anxiety and heart rate variability in typically developing children with test anxiety?
A virtual reality program is feasible for inducing and managing test anxiety in school-aged children, significantly affecting self-perceived anxiety and heart rate variability.
p-value: p=<0.001
Test anxiety has been a growing problem in school-aged children, especially for students in East-Asian countries where the pressure for academic achievement is high. These students are more vulnerable to academic stress, which could further lead to anxiety disorders. For this reason, this study examined the feasibility of virtual reality (VR) test anxiety program in managing anxiety in students. A total of 22 typically developing children with varying levels of test anxiety and no history of psychiatric illnesses participated in the study (mean age = 11.6 and standard deviation SD = 1.84). A self-reported questionnaire measuring test anxiety, state-trait anxiety, and depression was administered. Heart rate (HR) variability and subjective anxiety were also measured to examine the changes during each of the anxiety-inducing (Exam 1 and Exam 2) and meditation (Med 1 and Med 2) sessions in the program. There was a significant difference in self-perceived anxiety during the program (p < 0.001), as well as a significant main effect of time on the standard deviation of R-R interval (p = 0.002). In addition, a significant relationship between changes in HR and perceived anxiety during Exam 1 (p = 0.003), Med 1 (p < 0.001), and Med 2 (p = 0.011) was found. In conclusion, this work demonstrates the feasibility of the virtual environment to induce different levels of anxiety and explores the potential use of VR program as a viable method to manage the negative emotion in students. This work shows the potential of technology-enhanced tools in addressing psychological problems in school-aged children. Further study is needed to validate the use of the program in clinical practice.
Kwon et al. (Fri,) conducted a other in Test anxiety (n=22). Virtual reality (VR) test anxiety program was evaluated on Self-perceived anxiety and standard deviation of R-R interval (p=<0.001). A virtual reality test anxiety program significantly altered self-perceived anxiety (p<0.001) and heart rate variability (p=0.002) in school-aged children.