Virtual nature as a psychological intervention for individuals with substance and behavioural addictions: A systematic literature review

TY - UNPB

T1 - Virtual nature as a psychological intervention for individuals with substance and behavioural addictions

T2 - A systematic literature review

AU - Hubbard, Gill

AU - Masterton, Wendy

AU - McGregor, Scott

AU - Toner, Paul

PY - 2025/9/25

Y1 - 2025/9/25

N2 - Aims: Virtual Reality nature (VRn) has been found to reduce stress and improve mood in a range of population groups. However, this effect has not been assessed in individuals with substance and behavioural addictions, which is important as anxiety and depression tend to co-occur with addiction issues. The review addressed the following question: what are the effects of VRn on outcomes for individuals with substance and behavioural addictions? Methods: Six databases (CINAHL; Embase; GreenFILE; PsycInfo; PubMed; Scopus) were searched in June 2025 for peer-reviewed literature. Studies were included in the review utilising an experimental or quasi-experimental quantitative design with a virtual nature intervention either created from 3-Dimensional computer-generated imagery (CGI) or real-scene imagery captured by a 3-D or 2-D camera for individuals with substance or behavioural addictions, comprising the spectrum of addiction-related risk and harm. Results: Four studies with a total of 150 participants were included. Two studies were set in a residential recovery facility, one in a psychiatric hospital and one in the community. Two studies evaluated 2-D flat-screen virtual nature and two evaluated VRn. Conclusions: No conclusions can be made about the efficacy of VRn delivered alone or as a mode of delivery for other psychological interventions for the treatment of substance or behavioural addictions. It is premature for this body of research on virtual nature in the field of addiction to be of relevance to practice. Key words: Virtual Reality, Nature; Psychological Intervention; Systematic Review

AB - Aims: Virtual Reality nature (VRn) has been found to reduce stress and improve mood in a range of population groups. However, this effect has not been assessed in individuals with substance and behavioural addictions, which is important as anxiety and depression tend to co-occur with addiction issues. The review addressed the following question: what are the effects of VRn on outcomes for individuals with substance and behavioural addictions? Methods: Six databases (CINAHL; Embase; GreenFILE; PsycInfo; PubMed; Scopus) were searched in June 2025 for peer-reviewed literature. Studies were included in the review utilising an experimental or quasi-experimental quantitative design with a virtual nature intervention either created from 3-Dimensional computer-generated imagery (CGI) or real-scene imagery captured by a 3-D or 2-D camera for individuals with substance or behavioural addictions, comprising the spectrum of addiction-related risk and harm. Results: Four studies with a total of 150 participants were included. Two studies were set in a residential recovery facility, one in a psychiatric hospital and one in the community. Two studies evaluated 2-D flat-screen virtual nature and two evaluated VRn. Conclusions: No conclusions can be made about the efficacy of VRn delivered alone or as a mode of delivery for other psychological interventions for the treatment of substance or behavioural addictions. It is premature for this body of research on virtual nature in the field of addiction to be of relevance to practice. Key words: Virtual Reality, Nature; Psychological Intervention; Systematic Review

KW - Virtual Reality

KW - Nature

KW - Psychological Intervention

KW - Systematic Review

M3 - Working paper

BT - Virtual nature as a psychological intervention for individuals with substance and behavioural addictions

ER -