The effect of an audio-video stimulation on emotions: a virtual reality study

Working conditions are a frequent cause of stress in industrialized Countries and inducing positive emotions can have the effect to reduce stress level. Previous studies indicated that images, sounds and video can modulate human emotions, inducing positive or negative emotional states. This work investigated the role of a standardized audio-video stimulation with virtual reality to induce positive emotions and reduce human stress. A sequence of sounds, images and videos was administrated to ten participants in a virtual environment representing an office. Subsequently their emotional states were assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), and Global Vigor Affect Scale (GVAS). Results indicated that the stimulation could elicit positive emotions that affect some stress-related states.