Psychological recovery effects of 3D virtual tourism with real scenes -- a comparative study

Objective This study explores the psychological recovery effects of virtual tourism on individuals. Methods Relevant research usually tends to examine the psychological recovery effects through traditional media entailing a lesser immersive experience. Few studies focus on the psychological recovery effects of virtual tourism, and even fewer on exploring response differences depending on different landscape types. Based on a series of empirical tests and electroencephalogram (EEG) data, this study investigates the impacts of a more immersive 3D virtual tourism with real scenes on people’s relaxation (Pm), concentration (Pa), and positive and negative emotions (PA and NA). Additionally, it clarifies the differences in the psychological recovery effects of four landscape types on the abovementioned attributes. Conclusions The psychological recovery effects did vary according to the type of tourist attractions. There were a few differences based on gender. For instance, men’s relaxation level changed significantly after touring lake-oriented virtual tourist attraction. Individual differences in recovery were also observed. Implications These findings contribute to our knowledge about environmental restoration and its role in alleviating people’s anxiety, especially during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.