Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2025
Abstract
There is growing interest in the effects of immersive art on wellbeing, which engages multiple senses and facilitates deeper engagement. University settings, particularly during high-stress periods like exams, are increasingly emphasizing mental health interventions to combat rising rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and suicidal ideation. This study investigates the potential of a fully immersive art experience to positively impact mood and reduce stress in a university setting. Pre- and post-visit questionnaires, including the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) survey, were administered to assess emotional changes. Additional open-ended questions provided qualitative feedback. Results showed statistically significant decreases in 12 negative affect scores and increases in 9 positive affect scores. Overall PANAS scores increased by a median of 6 points, indicating improved mood post-experience. Qualitative data highlighted the exhibit's calming and restorative effects; many participants suggested amending the availability of such installations to a year-round schedule, in order to further promote student mental health.
Recommended Citation
Godley, Lyn; O'Hayer, C. Virginia; Davis, Raegan; Wakschal, Emily; Nurse, Chelsi N.; Ross, Wendy J.; Spraker, Abigail; Godshall, Nate; and Frasso, Rosemary, "“University Stress” Exploring the Potential Impact of an Immersive Art Experience on a College Campus" (2025). Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers. Paper 86.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/phbfp/86
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
PubMed ID
41312269
Language
English
Comments
This article is the author's final published version in Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 16, January 2025, Article Number 1592649.
The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1592649. Copyright © 2025 Godley, O’Hayer, Davis, Wakschal, Nurse, Ross, Spraker, Godshall and Frasso.