Exploring technology-assisted mindfulness : a systematic progressive review on the role of virtual reality

Abstract

With the advancement of digital technology, mindfulness practices have evolved beyond traditional methods into immersive, interactive, and biofeedback-supported experiences. This study proposes the Systematic Progressive Exploration Methodology (SPEM) to examine technology-assisted mindfulness, narrowing its focus from 3,053 peer-reviewed publications (publication trends and disciplinary contributions), to 10 top-tier HCI studies (key technological tools and methodologies), and finally to 30 empirical papers (core topics and design strategies) through Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling and inductive coding. The analysis identifies six core topics clustered around three primary dimensions: technological (VR as the dominant medium), physiological (four sensory designs: visual, auditory, haptic, and olfactory), and psychological (five mindfulness objectives: emotional regulation, attention, bodily awareness, targeted psychological needs, and social connection). Additionally, three intersectional areas: biofeedback technology, calm technology, and psychophysiology, highlight how these dimensions interact. From these findings, three VR-based design strategies emerge: (1) Adaptive Self-Regulation, (2) Environmental Guidance for Cognitive Ease, and (3) Bidirectional Mind-Body Regulation. These strategies contribute to immersion, care, and daily adaptability mindfulness experiences. To enhance accessibility, engagement, and efficacy, future research should explore personalization for different experience levels, kinetic meditation, and social VR practices. Overall, this review confirms the central role of VR in technology-assisted mindfulness, providing a comprehensive foundation for understanding this interdisciplinary field and guiding the development of more adaptive and inclusive interventions.