Relationship between soundscape perception and psychophysiological responses to virtual environmental events

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the psychophysiological restoration effects of experiencing a virtual natural environment by investigating the factors influencing soundscape perception in audiovisual elements and proposing a restoration model based on psychological and physiological responses. Four types of virtual environments (green, lake, stream, and waterfall areas) were developed for the visual component, and the soundscape included bird, insect, and water sounds from the forest. A total of 16 virtual reality (VR) environments were presented to subjects in a laboratory setting to evaluate natural and soundscape perceptions and examine heart rate variability (HRV) as a quantitative physiological indicator. A significant correlation was observed between the perception of connection to the natural environment and psychological and physiological indicators, with changes in HRV parameters (specifically, an increase in the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals and a decrease in the temporary stationarity index) observed before and after the VR experience. The study proposes a structural equation model for psychophysiological restoration, confirming that audiovisual satisfaction through positive perception and high immersion in the environment is a significant indicator of psychological and physiological reactions. These findings provide evidence that virtual natural environments can serve as effective mental health restoration environments, similar to actual natural environments.