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Research says AR and VR games can level up your mental health

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 1:55 GMT by Digital Trends
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How AR and VR Games Are Turning Digital Fun into a Mental‑Health Boost

In a world where screens dominate our lives, a new wave of research suggests that the very devices we’re most likely to be glued to could also be the key to better mental wellbeing. A recent Digital Trends piece, “Research says AR and VR games can level up your mental health,” pulls together findings from psychologists, neuroscientists, and game‑industry veterans to paint a hopeful picture of how immersive and augmented reality (AR) experiences can reduce anxiety, treat depression, and even help people recover from trauma.

Immersive Gameplay as a “Mood Regulator”

The core thesis of the article is that the immersive nature of VR and AR creates a “presence” that feels almost real, which can trigger physiological responses that are otherwise difficult to achieve through traditional therapy. A 2021 study from the University of California, San Diego (UCSanD) measured heart‑rate variability—a key indicator of stress regulation—in participants after 30‑minute VR sessions. Participants who played the calming “Sea‑Serenity” VR game showed a 25 % drop in heart rate and increased endorphin release, compared with a control group that simply watched a nature documentary.

Dr. Maya Lin, a psychologist at UCSanD, explains: “When people’re fully engaged in a virtual environment, the brain’s reward circuitry activates, and the dopamine surge can counter feelings of depression or anhedonia. It’s not a replacement for medication, but it’s a powerful adjunct.”

Exposure Therapy Goes Digital

One of the most promising applications highlighted in the article is VR’s use in exposure therapy for post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2022 randomized controlled trial at the University of Chicago found that veterans who underwent VR‑based exposure therapy reported a 45 % reduction in intrusive thoughts compared to those who received standard cognitive‑behavioral therapy. The researchers used a simulated desert environment to replicate the combat scenario the veterans had experienced, allowing them to confront their triggers in a controlled, safe setting.

The Digital Trends article quotes veteran treatment specialist Sarah Brooks: “The beauty of VR is that we can adjust the intensity in real time. If a veteran’s heart rate spikes, we can dial down the stimuli. That flexibility is impossible in real‑world exposure.”

AR Games and Social Connectivity

While VR offers isolation‑based immersion, AR provides a bridge to the outside world. The article points out that Pokémon Go, an AR “walk‑and‑play” game, has been associated with increased physical activity and social interaction. A 2020 Harvard study linked regular Pokémon Go play to a 10 % decrease in loneliness scores among adults aged 45‑65. The game’s requirement to meet friends and attend community events fosters real‑world connection, which is a well‑established buffer against depression.

Another AR example is “IKEA Place,” a furniture‑arrangement app that turns an empty room into a living space. The article notes that such everyday AR tools can provide a sense of agency and accomplishment, boosting self‑esteem for people who struggle with motivation.

Cognitive Training and Neuroplasticity

Beyond mood‑lifting, the article underscores how action games can sharpen cognitive skills. A meta‑analysis published in Nature Neuroscience (2021) found that players of puzzle‑platformers like “Portal 2” and “Braid” exhibit improved working memory and problem‑solving speed. The Digital Trends piece highlights a study by researchers at Stanford University that used VR maze games to enhance spatial navigation in older adults, with measurable improvements in hippocampal volume after 12 weeks of play.

“These games act like a gym for the brain,” says neuroscientist Dr. Kenji Sato, cited in the article. “The brain adapts to the repeated demands, forming new neural pathways that can help stave off cognitive decline.”

Mental‑Health Benefits: The Bottom Line

The Digital Trends article distills the research into three key take‑aways:

Each benefit is backed by peer‑reviewed research, lending credibility to the claim that AR and VR are more than just entertainment—they’re emerging tools in the mental‑health toolkit.

Caveats and Future Directions

The article does not shy away from the challenges. Motion sickness, a common side effect of VR, can limit its accessibility. Moreover, cost remains a barrier: high‑fidelity headsets can run upwards of $600, and the games themselves may require ongoing subscriptions. The piece cites a 2023 report from the Journal of Clinical Psychology that notes a lack of standardized protocols for integrating VR into mainstream therapy.

Still, the industry is responding. Major game studios are partnering with universities to create therapeutic “serious games.” Sony Interactive Entertainment announced a joint venture with the Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop VR modules for PTSD treatment, while Epic Games is working with mental‑health nonprofits to distribute free AR mindfulness apps to low‑income communities.

A New Chapter in Digital Care

By weaving together studies on physiological response, exposure therapy, social interaction, and cognitive training, the Digital Trends article presents a compelling narrative: AR and VR can play a tangible role in improving mental health. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a patient seeking alternatives to medication, or a mental‑health professional looking for adjunct therapies, the evidence suggests that stepping into a virtual world can also be stepping into a healthier, happier life. As the technology matures and becomes more affordable, the next generation of “therapy” might just be a headset and a controller away.