MESA researchers published findings of their study examining the effects of video background and device type on mental health. The paper is now available in Computers in Human Behavior journal. The project involved 202 college students in an experimental design that assessed mental health outcomes using multiple validated psychological assessment tools.

Key findings revealed that while meditation videos improved mental health across all measures regardless of device type (VR vs. computer), nature-based video backgrounds significantly enhanced outcomes compared to classroom settings, particularly for distress tolerance, psychological well-being, and mood. This research contributes valuable insights into how environmental context in digital meditation resources can be optimized to better support mental health interventions for young adults, demonstrating that the visual environment matters more than the technology platform used for delivery.