Influence of usability of Virtual Reality device on mood after exposure to natural virtual environment

Nature is nowadays considered the most restorative environment. A brief exposure to a (real or virtual) nature environment help people to restore affective resources. However, testing the possibility that a virtual reality (VR) device can evoke similar outcomes as real nature, the usability of such devices become an important factor to consider in the research. In this study we hypothesize a moderation effect of usability of device on the relationship between perceived restorative potential (PRP) of the environment and mood after nature exposure. 114 Italian students (83% female, mean (ds) age = 22.38 (6.50)) were immersed into a virtual nature environment using a virtual reality head-set (Oculus Rift). Before and after exposure positive and negative emotions were measured. After exposure participants were also asked to report PRP and usability of VR device experienced. 94 Results showed that higher level of positive emotions and lower level of negative emotions (except anger) reported after exposure were predicted by PRP. Usability of VR device moderate the influence of PRP on all positive emotions (enjoyment, relief, hope), except Relaxation, and on deactivating negative emotions (Sadness, Boredom). Only people that experienced high usability reported better emotional state when higher PRP was perceived. At the other side, when participants experienced low usability, they did not report emotional state difference in respect of level of restorativeness perceived. For activating negative emotions (Anger, Anxiety) and Relaxation interaction was not significant. High level of PRP predicted more Relaxation and less activating negative emotions independently of usability experienced.