27 The Alleviating Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality Digital Heritage Experience on Modern Urban Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial Combining Physiological Signals and Psychological Scales
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and occupational stress have led to prevalent psychological anxiety among modern populations. Although digital therapeutics offer promising solutions, existing interventions often lack personalized cultural relevance and fail to engage users emotionally. Additionally, traditional cultural heritage experiences—known for their calming effects—are constrained by accessibility and time limitations,restricting their use as routine mental health resources. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR)-based digital heritage experiences as a novel, culturally integrated intervention to alleviate anxiety in urban populations, bridging digital therapeutics with heritage preservation. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 100 urban white-collar workers (moderate anxiety, GAD-7 ≥ 8). Participants were randomly assigned to: • Experimental Group(EG, n=50): Four-week IVR intervention (e.g., virtual Forbidden City, Digital Dunhuang). • Control Group(CG, n=50): High-definition documentaries on the same heritage sites. Assessments combined psychometric
scales (GAD-7, SAS) and physiological measures (HRV, GSR) at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The EG demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety (GAD-7: p <0.001; SAS: p <0.001) vs. the CG. Enhanced autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation was observed, with increased HRV (p <0.01) and stabilized GSR. Psychological improvements correlated strongly with physiological markers (p <0.01). IVR digital heritage experiences are an effective, non-pharmacological anxiety intervention, demonstrating the synergy between cultural immersion and digital therapeutics. This research establishes a foundational framework for "Digital Cultural Healing"—a novel paradigm merging heritage engagement, VR technology, and mental health support.
