VR-guided slow breathing with mystical visuals for stress relief

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, four-arm trial comparing an immersive VR slow-breathing intervention with mystical elements, a VR mystical-only condition, a non-VR computer-guided slow-breathing condition, and a VR control. Participants are healthy, German-speaking adults aged 18-35 with elevated perceived stress (PSQ-30 > 60) who are randomized to a single acute session and monitored for subjective and physiological stress markers. Outcomes include self-reported stress measures and physiological indicators such as heart rate and heart rate variability collected before, during, and after the interventions. Key exclusions include current psychiatric diagnoses, high depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 >= 10 or suicidal ideation), chronic medication use, and uncorrected visual impairment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* \> 60 points on the PSQ-30 out of a maximum 120-point scale in the screening
* Healthy
* Aged between 18-35
* Fluent in German

Exclusion Criteria:

* A current diagnosis of psychiatric disorders (self-reported)
* Chronic medication use (except oral contraceptives)
* Parallel participation in another medical or psychological study
* Suicidal tendencies (PHQ-9 item 9 \> 0)3
* PHQ-9 score ≥ 10
* A visual impairment not corrected by glasses or contact lenses

Where it's running

• University of Basel, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience
  Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fabian Mueller, Msc
• Email: fabi.mueller@unibas.ch
• Phone: +41612070272

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.