Exploring the role of time distortion in psychological well-being: the impact of evocative VR content
Deokwon Wang, Cheul Rhee, Jiseob Park · Behaviour and Information Technology · 2025
The advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology have enabled immersive experiences that influence users’ temporal perception and psychological states. However, the specific mechanisms through which VR affects time perception and emotional regulation remain underexplored. This study aims to examine how evocative VR content influences time perception and whether these temporal distortions have subsequent effects on psychological comfort. Employing an experimental design, participants reported their perceived time distortion and emotional engagement across different display conditions (VR versus traditional monitors) and evocativeness levels (low versus high). The results suggest that highly evocative VR content can induce significant distortions in time perception, often leading to time compression. These temporal distortions may play a role in modulating emotional engagement and stress levels, with potential implications for psychological comfort. By identifying the relationship between VR-based time perception changes and emotional states, this study contributes to the growing understanding of VR's role in psychological well-being and its applications in therapeutic and stress management interventions.