Preventive wellbeing
Stress usually builds up gradually. Recognising the signs in time and consciously building in moments of recovery gives people more room to stay ahead of complaints.
A VR experience can structure such a moment: you put on the headset, your surroundings fade into the background and your attention shifts. VR is not a solution in itself, but an invitation to pause.
Prevention is more than a single experience. Healthy habits, social support, good working conditions and, where needed, professional advice remain at least as important.
How it works
We discuss goal, audience and setting, and show the experience during a demo.
The participant puts on the headset, preferably seated, with support where appropriate.
A dream world with image, sound and guided reflection, at your own pace.
Wrapping up calmly and, where appropriate, talking it through with a supervisor.
Possible applications
As part of a broader programme on workload, vitality and mental health.
A dedicated spot where employees can unwind, at a time that suits them.
During workshops or themed days on stress, as an accessible way into the conversation.
An accessible, appealing way to introduce young people to reflection and relaxation.
At home
Would you like to experience Dream Fiction at home with your own VR headset? The consumer version is in preparation. Let us know and we will keep you updated.
Dream Fiction at homeThe Dream Fiction app is not yet available on these VR platforms. As soon as the app goes live, you will find the direct download links here.
Scientific background
Found indications of feasibility, acceptability and short-term effects of VR relaxation on stress. The authors point to limitations: few randomised studies and little long-term data.
An important basis for VR relaxation as a short, preventive moment.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)Brought together research on VR and immersive technology for workplace wellbeing. The results are promising, but interventions were often short, often took place in a lab setting and had little follow-up.
Relevant for organisations considering VR as part of their wellbeing policy.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)Measured heart rate and experiences around an immersive VR session. Heart rate fell during the session and participants described feeling relaxed and ‘somewhere else’.
Shows how immersion can help people step away from their everyday surroundings for a while. Small sample.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)A 6–8 minute VR meditation during work. Perceived stress fell immediately after the session (median from 4 to 2 on a 0–10 scale), with few side effects.
An indication that even short VR moments can make a noticeable difference. There was no control group.
View the publication(opens in a new tab)About the evidence for Dream Fiction itself
These studies are about VR relaxation in general, not about Dream Fiction itself. No effect studies on the Dream Fiction experiences have been published yet. We are open to working with research partners to change that.
Limits
For whom
Explore how VR can complement existing support and wellbeing initiatives, for example around stress and prevention.
Discover possible applications for employee wellbeing, stress awareness and prevention within your wellbeing policy.
Accessible, appealing experiences that can invite young people to take a moment of calm and reflection.
Get to know our approach and explore opportunities for responsible collaboration and research.
Discuss bespoke solutions, demonstrations and requirements around privacy, safety and implementation.
We are happy to think along about your audience, the application and the practical requirements.
No. It is a guided experience that offers room for relaxation and reflection. It is not therapy and does not replace professional support.
That depends on the experience and the context. In research, VR relaxation moments are often used briefly and repeatedly. During a demo we discuss what suits your organisation.
We bring the equipment to the demo. We match the hardware needed for regular use to your situation.
Free on-site demo
Try the VR experience yourself during a free on-site demo and discuss what role it can play within your wellbeing policy.
