Break Times: Virtual Reality Art Therapy

This paper presents a Virtual Reality (VR) art therapy known as "Break Times" which aims to enhance students' mental well-being and foster creative expression. The proposed "Break Times" application mimics the art therapy sessions in the VR environment design. Pilot user acceptance test with 10 participants showed a notable reduction in stress levels, with 50% reporting normal stress levels post-intervention, compared to 20% pre-intervention. Participants praised the "Break Times" therapy's functionality and engagement features and suggested improvements such as saving creations, incorporating 3D painting, and expanding the artmaking scene variety. The study highlights that VR art therapy has potential as an effective tool for stress management, emphasizing the need for continued refinement to maximize its therapeutic benefits.