Development and validation of a virtual reality-based training program for promoting subjective well-being

Abstract

Objective Enhancing subjective well-being is an effective way to improve mental health. This study aimed to validate a virtual reality-based interactive feedback program as an intervention tool for promoting subjective well-being. Methods Thirty-six males participated in this program, consisting of three tasks constructed based on the theories of positive psychol-ogy: ‘Experience-based problem recognition task’, ‘Future self-based success story expression task’, and ‘Strength expression task’. Partici-pants rated visual analog scores associated with each of the tasks’ contents. The concurrent validity of task scores was evaluated by correla-tions with the psychological scale scores. Results The total task score was positively correlated with scores of Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) emotional well-being and psychological well-being, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Dispositional Hope Scale agency dimension and pathways dimension, and Life Orientation Test Revised, but not with MHC-SF social well-being scores. After controlling for the effects of the other task scores, the task scores had linear relationships with certain psychological assessments. Conclusion Since the task scores are closely related to indicators of well-being, self-esteem, hope, and optimism, the program contents are well associated with certain aspects of subjective well-being and thus may be available for training that improves subjective well-be-ing through interactive feedback.