The stress and workload of virtual reality training: the effects of presence, immersion and flow

Abstract

The present investigation evaluated the effects of virtual reality (VR) training on the performance, perceived workload and stress response to a live training exercise in a sample of Soldiers. We also examined the relationship between the perceptions of that same VR as measured by engagement, immersion, presence, flow, perceived utility and ease of use with the performance, workload and stress reported on the live training task. To a degree, these latter relationships were moderated by task performance, as measured by binary (Go/No-Go) ratings. Participants who reported positive VR experiences also tended to experience lower stress and lower workload when performing the live version of the task. Thus, VR training regimens may be efficacious for mitigating the stress and workload associated with criterion tasks, thereby reducing the ultimate likelihood of real-world performance failure.

Practitioner Summary: VR provides opportunities for training in artificial worlds comprised of highly realistic features. Our virtual room clearing scenario facilitated the integration of Training and Readiness objectives and satisfied training doctrine obligations in a compelling engaging experience for both novice and experienced trainees.

Keywords:

• Stress
• workload
• virtual reality
• presence
• immersion
• flow

Acknowledgment

The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not necessarily be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of ARL HRED STTC or the US Government. The US Government is authorised to reproduce and distribute reprints for government purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation hereon.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.