Serenity

Abstract

Stress has become more prevalent among college students since the advent of the Internet, where many suffer due to information overload. This has become a major problem as too much stress can lead to anxiety, lack of motivation, irritability, and depression. This study aim to develop a virtual reality in mobile application that can be used to reduce concurrent stress among class students. The design of the virtual reality applications provides target users an immersive, virtual environment that can help promote relaxation to minimize and alter stressful activities and environment. This developed application named "Serenity", was designed to cater to Filipino college students. The application utilizes Philippine-based geographical sceneries and locations that brings calm and harmony to one's experience in a virtual world. The design of the system applied the concept of a traveler in a role playing game who visits vacation spots in various settings, which includes night and day situations. Readings from the galvanic skin response sensor and oximeter will be recorded throughout the experiment to determine subject response towards the use of the virtual reality system. The application was tested on students that were classified into three different stress groups: low stress, moderate stress, and high stress. The developed virtual reality system is fully functional and meets the requirements set by its intended users.