Document Type
Article
Publication Title
ISAR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
This study investigates the cognitive and therapeutic potential of immersive virtual reality (VR) environments designed to simulate cold conditions. Through the engagement of participants through multisensory stimuli—including vivid visual representations of the Athabasca Glacier, auditory effects of icy winds, and corresponding haptic feedback—the research evaluates neurological and physiological responses associated with attention, emotional regulation, and stress modulation. Participants experienced virtual scenarios featuring icy winds and snow, activating specific neurological pathways involving the occipital lobe, primary visual cortex, superior colliculus, and insula, thus reinforcing sensory integration. Through predictive coding, the anterior insula and hypothalamus were engaged, prompting thermoregulatory simulations and subconscious adaptive behaviors, such as arm-crossing. Emotional processing mediated by the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, combined with neurotransmitter releases (serotonin and dopamine), facilitated enhanced relaxation and mindfulness. Utilizing pre- and post-experience surveys, the study assessed participant-reported changes in attention, stress, and emotional regulation following exposure to simulated cold stimuli. Preliminary findings suggest significant benefits for attentional focus, stress reduction, and emotional regulation, highlighting the potential efficacy in therapeutic applications and workplace productivity optimization. This research underscores the broader implications of environmental simulation through VR, inviting further exploration into its neuroscientific mechanisms and practical applications for enhanced cognitive and emotional well-being.
Publication Date
5-2025
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Turner, Jessica; Hutson, Piper; and Hutson, James, "Simulating Chill: Exploring the Cognitive and Therapeutic Potential of Cold VR Environments" (2025). Faculty Scholarship. 738.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/738