The American Psychological Association defines loneliness as an “affective and cognitive discomfort or uneasiness from being or perceiving oneself to be alone or otherwise solitary.” Moreover, while not officially classified as a medical condition, the effects of loneliness then lead to more serious neurological disorders. A disorder that is exacerbated is MDD or major depressive disorder.
Not only do genetic factors and biochemical imbalances play roles in these disorders, but environmental influences such as loneliness significantly contribute to their severity. Approximately 7% of adults in the USA and UK experience a major depressive episode annually, highlighting a widespread need for effective interventions. These factors are exacerbated by loneliness, and by tackling loneliness, ESG Gaming could provide a “drug-free” prescription to combat the social and neurological causes of such disorders through the use of VR and video games.
An overview of the featured studies in the research hub, reveal numerous risk factors for depression, including a personal history of other disorders or physical health conditions. The APA posits that depression is a result of a combination of social, psychological and biological factors often triggered by trauma or loss, which are everyday experiences for those over 45. Treatments include sleep therapy, sports therapy and, in extreme cases, invasive chemical and electrical therapies, which boost the natural serotonin levels to trick the brain into non-experiencing depressive episodes.
A 2020 study highlighted the role of VR in reducing symptoms of neurological disorders through cognitive-behavioural interventions. It found that VR’s personalised social experiences could decrease feelings of loneliness significantly. This is a critical issue to address as loneliness is a known exacerbating risk factor for depression and other neurological issues by contributing to cognitive decline and social withdrawal. The study found that VR had a noticeable ability to situate and allow the subjects to engage socially, thus preventing loneliness and psychologically assisting the subjects in forgetting loss.
Further research points to VR’s capacity to provide necessary cognitive stimulation, slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Immersive VR experiences engage users in entertaining and beneficial cognitive tasks, enhancing serotonin levels and thus improving both cognitive and social functioning. This dual benefit is critical in combating the common symptoms of depression.
The study showed that most subjects felt noticeably better after an immersive VR experience as it significantly diverted distressing symptoms, providing a cognitive form of immediate and replicable relief.
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