Theme: Sustainable Mental Health and Wellbeing: Exploring Dutch-Japanese Solutions for Designing a Future Society
Aylin Berna Çetintaş | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | Faculty of Medicine
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E-Scape to Zen
Imagine the bliss of lounging on a beach, then with a snap, finding yourself atop a towering mountain to witness a breathtaking sunset, and with another snap, stepping into the enchanting depths of a peaceful forest. In the modern age of technology, such vivid and immersive experiences are within reach through virtual reality (VR). Utilizing VR natural experiences holds potential as an innovative strategy for fostering mental health, as exposure to virtual nature has shown to reduce anxiety and stress (Yen et al., 2024). VR-based relaxation offers a cost-effective, safe, and practical approach to stress management in the general public as it is capable of enhancing overall well-being and mental health through its ease of implementation and application (Riches et al., 2021). Furthermore, VR exposure therapies have also shown efficacy in more severe mental disorders such as PTSD, anorexia, depression and psychosis (Bell et al., 2024). In the Netherlands, outpatient treatment is prioritized for individuals with more severe mental health issues, while Japan holds the highest ratio of psychiatric care beds per capita among OECD member nations (World Health Organization, 2022). Given these contrasts, VR therapy emerges as a versatile solution applicable to both inpatient and outpatient care settings.
VR-based relaxation studies commonly display peaceful and relaxing environments modelled after natural landscapes, such as beaches, oceans, forests, meadows, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. To augment user engagement, some environments include interactive features such as mindfulness, guided meditation exercises, or game-like elements that foster playful exploration of the virtual world. The notion that nature can alleviate stress seems to be a longstanding belief. In 1982, Japan’s Forestry Agency introduced “forest bathing” (Shinrin- yoku), a recreational practice involving walking and inhaling tree fragrances, recognized for enhancing physical and mental health (Furuyashiki et al., 2019). While VR-Shinrin-yoku could not fully replicate the olfactory experiences of a forest, the immersive qualities of a tranquil, visually appealing virtual environment may offer comparable benefits, particularly for hospitalized psychiatric patients or perhaps as an at-home intervention for those with severe anxiety or paranoia.
Japan has long been a pioneer in gaming hardware and software development and is recognized as a global leader in VR technology. One of the most significant hardware innovations in VR gaming from Japan is the Sony PlayStation VR. Its latest version uses advanced motion sensing, eye-tracking, and high-resolution OLED displays to create a highly immersive gaming experience with smooth visuals and interactive feedback features (Vjestica et al., 2023). Beyond the visual component, Japanese companies have been exploring supplementary sensory dimensions to intensify the VR experience. A number of startups are engaged in the development of haptic feedback suits, incorporating sensor technology to simulate tactile sensations. These suits aim to enhance immersion by allowing users to physically perceive the impact of virtual objects within a game. Additionally, Scentee has introduced a scent generator that produces fragrances corresponding to various virtual environments, thereby further enriching the immersive experience. This suggests that the realization of a fully immersive VR Shinrin-yoku experience, replicating the complete sensory environment, may be drawing nearer.
Yet, as the Dutch philosopher Erasmus said, “Prevention is better than cure.” The Dutch government has demonstrated a concerted effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness through a multifaceted approach that involves public awareness initiatives, legislative reforms, and expanded mental health services. Whether stigma reduction is primarily the result of deliberate governmental policy or a reflection of broader cultural values is a complex question. Research by Kotera et al. (2020) found that the negative impact of mental health stigma is less pronounced in the Netherlands than in Japan. The study revealed that Japan’s collectivist, success-oriented culture is associated with a heightened sense of shame surrounding mental health issues compared to Dutch culture, which emphasizes individualism and quality of life, fosters openness, and thereby enhances employees’ self- compassion and work engagement. Surprisingly, even in stigma reduction, VR holds promise as a tool. An immersive VR intervention, simulating the daily life of a patient with mild depression through scenes depicting both challenges and recovery, demonstrated increased empathy, a stronger connection to individuals with depression, and altered neural activity related to depression knowledge (Lem et al., 2024).
The potential of VR technology is undeniable, yet its implementation is contingent upon substantial resource investment. Delivering immersive VR experiences necessitates high-speed internet connections and advanced hardware, both of which demand significant energy consumption. Hence, the optimization of energy efficiency is crucial to mitigate the environmental impact of VR technology. Nevertheless, the IEA has set a global target to double energy efficiency progress from the 2022 level of 2% to 4% each year until 2030 (Energy Efficiency 2023 Analysis – IEA, 2023). In addition, VR-therapy holds the potential to reduce unnecessary travel and minimize material waste. By enabling remote service delivery, it obviates the need for in-person appointments, thereby significantly diminishing patient and therapist travel-related greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, VR-therapy’s facilitation of virtual therapy sessions reduces the demand for physical infrastructure. This innovation minimizes the necessity for dedicated office and therapy spaces, consequently lowering operational costs and mitigating the environmental impact linked to the construction and upkeep of such facilities.
In conclusion, the integration of VR technology into mental health care represents a groundbreaking stride toward sustainable mental well-being, leveraging the strengths of both Dutch and Japanese approaches. The Dutch emphasis on reducing stigma complements Japan’s advancements in immersive VR technology and focus on nature, providing a holistic approach to treating mental illness. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of virtual nature, VR therapy offers a versatile method for enhancing mental health in a variety of settings. Moreover, the environmental advantages of reduced travel and resource-efficient therapy delivery align with global sustainability goals, highlighting VR’s potential as a future standard therapy. For now, it appears to offer a promising way to flee the chaos of modern life and escape to zen.