STRIVE: Research on Stress in Virtual Environments

Introduction

STRIVE is a validation study designed to investigate to what extent the military training simulator Virtual Battle Space can induce stress in military personnel. To see if this game actually induces stress, Virtual Battle Space will be compared to a validated stressful virtual reality height exposure. The stress response will be measured using heart rate, heart rate variability and breathing rate. In addition, the effect of this potential stress response on cognitive functions will be investigated. By gaining a better understanding of what Virtual Battle Space does to functioning, this program could potentially be used more widely in military training.
For the STRIVE study, 20 participants between the ages of 18 and 40 are needed. The study consists of two measurement moments, each lasting about 1 hour. During these sessions, the participant completes the Virtual Battle Space simulator or virtual reality height exposure, and questionnaires and cognitive tasks are administered.

Project overview

Objective:

1. Researching the difference in stress during the Virtual Battle Space versus a validated virtual stress experience.
2. Researching the effect of these stressful virtual tasks on cognitive functions of military personnel.
    

Study population:

Healthy military personnel (18 – 40 years old).

Timeframe:

This study was completed in 2023.

Results:

Results revealed that Virtual Battle Space did not induce a stress response and had no effect on cognitive performance. However, the virtual reality height exposure task increased heart rate and decreased heart rate variability. But, this virtual experience also did not have an effect on cognition. These results suggest that Virtual Battle Space in its current form is not yet an effective tool for stress-related training purposes. Therefore, there is a need for scenario design improvements in virtual training environments to effectively induce stress and improve stress management.