digital mental health company headspace announced Headspace XR, a new virtual reality app that uses mixed reality and virtual reality to help users strengthen their mind-body connection through movement and breathing techniques.
The app, available at Meta Quest, includes uplifting games, one-on-one guided meditations, and other techniques.
Headspace said in a statement that it aims to reach younger audiences, especially Gen Z, with its VR app.
Later this year, Headspace will conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate how Headspace XR can support people's social well-being and connectedness. This study aims to investigate the direct mental health benefits of mindfulness in a virtual environment.
”According to research When humans play, our brains are activated, which can affect our overall life satisfaction and mental well-being. Unfortunately, our daily lives often rob us of this opportunity,“ Sarah Cohen, Headspace's vice president of content production, said in a statement.
„together meta We're excited to partner with Nexus Studios to combine the power of play with meditation and mindfulness in an immersive experience. This also allows you to join Headspace XR with your friends and build a community. ”
bigger trends
data from American Psychological Association Stress Survey in America Gen Z teens ages 13 to 17 and Gen Z adults ages 18 to 23 are experiencing increased stress and reporting symptoms of depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic. , revealed that it can have long-term health effects.
Over the past several years, Headspace has announced numerous partnerships to expand access to behavioral health services.
In 2023, the company will announced a partnership In partnership with Kastel, a value-based care company, we will provide select insurance plan members in Utah with on-demand access to Headspace's behavioral health services, including coaching and therapy.
Headspace too expanded the partnership With your health tech employer virgin pulse. The partnership will enable Virgin members and around 2,000 employees around the world to access Headspace through Homebase for Health, Virgin's AI-powered health and wellbeing platform.
Digital mental health companies were not immune to a number of impacts. dismissal It's something we've seen in the digital health space over the past few years.
I let it go in July The number of employees is 181, or approximately 15% of the workforce.and was fired about 4% or approximately 50 employeesDecember of the previous year.
Other mindfulness virtual reality apps include: