Electroencephalography-based psychological and physiological effects of winter virtual forest trail landscapes on youth

Abstract In the context of escalating urbanization and modernization, urban residents are facing a progressive rise in stress levels, particularly during winter when severe cold and limited daylight hours intensify psychological strain and physical fatigue. Despite the acknowledged health benefits of brief exposure to natural settings, research on the restorative effects of virtual winter forest settings remains limited. This study undertook the creation of immersive winter forest trail landscapes using virtual technology, generating six distinct audiovisual configurations by manipulating variables such as Evergreen Tree Density (ETD) and Event Ambient Sound (EAS). A cohort of 132 participants (N = 22) engaged in a stress-induction experiment involving a 5-minute virtual landscape exploration within indoor settings. Psychological metrics were assessed through the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Perceived Restored Soundscape Scale (PRSS), while changes in brain alpha and beta waves and neuroemotional indicators were monitored via Emotiv EPOC X during the participants’ virtual experience. The impact of the virtual winter forest trail landscape on participants’ psychological and physiological perceptions was analyzed. Findings revealed that: (1) the virtual winter forest trail contributed to heightened positive emotions (p = 0.001); (2) diverse audiovisual configurations positively influenced audiovisual nerve relaxation, as evidenced by EEG data, albeit with varying degrees of efficacy; (3) winter forest trail environments characterized by high green visibility significantly facilitate the physical and mental recovery of visitors; (4) multi-person activity sounds outperformed single-player audio in terms of restorative benefits, while companionship enhances the healing process; and (5) interactions involving multiple people and sound production significantly enhanced recovery benefits (p = 0.000) in a forested trail environment dense with evergreens during winter. In contrast, the lowest recovery benefits were observed when individuals strolled alone. This research offers a theoretical foundation for the advancement and implementation of winter forest landscape therapy and serves as a scholarly reference for leveraging snow and ice tourism resources in forest environments.