Escaping into virtual nature: A systematic review of the effects on the psychological and psychophysiological well-being of university students

Abstract

University students often face challenges related to their mental health and well-being. Although research suggests that virtual nature (VN) can improve these outcomes, focused syntheses of evidence for this specific population are limited. This systematic review aims to examine the effects of immersive VN on psychophysiological and psychological well-being outcomes among university students, compared with control conditions. It also seeks to identify which VN features have the greatest impact on these outcomes. Data searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and PsycArticles, covering publications from January 2013 to June 2025. A total of 35 independent studies met the eligibility criteria. Overall, the findings showed a mixed pattern, depending on the control condition. However, several findings suggest that VN positively promoted physiological relaxation, with clearer evidence supporting improvements in cardiac and endocrine activity, and psychological benefits, more strongly for increases in positive affect and restorativeness, along with reductions in anxiety and stress. Nature connectedness and restorativeness appear to mediate the effects on affect. The findings were more consistent for higher-realism VN and VN with audio-olfactory stimuli. Additionally, VN was particularly effective among university students experiencing higher levels of psychological distress. Several conceptual and methodological gaps were identified, and further studies are needed to better understand the optimal conditions under which immersive VN is most beneficial for the mental health and well-being of university students.