| Title |
Impact of Natural Elements on Psychophysiological Responses in Young Adults |
| Authors |
송성헌(Song, Seong-Heon) ; 노지화(Roh, Ji-Hwa) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.4.197 |
| Keywords |
Virtual Reality; Youth Space; Biophilic Design; Restorative Environment Elements; PRS; HRV |
| Abstract |
This study examines spatial strategies for stress reduction among young adults and investigates the effects of biophilic design on
psychological restoration and physiological responses. Two virtual environments were created for comparison: a conventional youth community
center and a biophilic-designed center featuring visual greenery, natural materials, organic forms, and natural light. Participants experienced
both environments through immersive virtual reality under identical conditions. Psychological responses were measured using the Perceived
Restorativeness Scale (PRS), while physiological responses were assessed through heart rate variability (HRV), with a focus on the LF/HF
ratio. The findings indicate that the biophilic environment produced higher PRS scores than the conventional setting, suggesting a stronger
restorative effect. HRV values also tended to stabilize within a relaxed physiological range, reflecting physiological relaxation. In some
participants, LF/HF ratios exceeded 3, likely indicating heightened attention or engagement with natural elements rather than stress-related
arousal. Overall, the results suggest that integrating natural elements into youth community spaces can effectively support stress recovery,
enhance mental well-being, and provide a practical design strategy for promoting everyday resilience among young adults. |