VR Calm Plus: Coupling a Squeezable Tangible Interaction with Immersive VR for Stress Regulation

2026-02-04

AI Summary

This study addresses the limitation of existing VR-based stress-relief applications, which predominantly rely on passive audiovisual stimuli and overlook the potential of embodied interaction in emotion regulation. To bridge this gap, we propose a novel system that integrates a pressure-sensitive plush toy with an immersive virtual reality environment, enabling users to actively modulate the virtual scene through real-time squeezing gestures—thereby fostering an “active relaxation” experience. The system was evaluated through a multimodal assessment combining pressure-sensing hardware, VR scenarios, physiological measures (heart rate, electrodermal activity, and HRV), and the PANAS-X questionnaire. Results demonstrate that, compared to a visual-only baseline, our approach significantly enhances positive affect and subjective relaxation, while also eliciting greater reductions in heart rate and increased autonomic flexibility, thereby validating the innovative efficacy of tangible squeezing interaction in VR-mediated stress reduction.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Game Design — Virtual Humans, NPCs and Autonomous Characters
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Affective Computing
• Intelligent Robots: Human-Robot Interaction

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Virtualization and resource management in Web systems and infrastructures
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy

Abstract

While Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly employed for stress management, most applications rely heavily on audio-visual stimuli and overlook the therapeutic potential of squeezing engagement. To address this gap, we introduce VR Calm Plus, a multimodal system that integrates a pressure-sensitive plush toy into an interactive VR environment. This interface allows users to dynamically modulate the virtual atmosphere through physical squeezing actions, fostering a deeper sense of embodied relaxation. We evaluated the system with 40 participants using PANAS-X surveys, subjective questionnaires, physiological measures (heart rate, skin conductance, pulse rate variability), and semi-structured interviews. Results demonstrate that, compared to a visual-only baseline, squeeze-based interaction significantly enhances positive affect and perceived relaxation. Physiological data further revealed a state of"active relaxation", characterized by greater reductions in heart rate and preserved autonomic flexibility (PRV), alongside sustained emotional engagement (GSR). Our findings highlight the value of coupling tangible input with immersive environments to support emotional well-being and offer design insights for future VR-based mental health tools.

Problem

• stress regulation
• virtual reality
• tangible interaction
• embodied relaxation
• multimodal system

Innovation

• tangible interaction
• immersive VR
• stress regulation
• embodied relaxation
• multimodal interface