Nicolas Gonzalez
Research Mentor: Sandy Zalmout
Mentor Department: ICPSR, ISR
Author(s): Nicolas Gonzalez, Kathleen Ignatoski, Sandy Zalmout
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 90
Abstract
Neurodivergent individuals frequently experience social isolation and stigmatization, including on college campuses. The goal of this study is to explore the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) gaming on stress levels, stress regulation, relaxation, and how those relate to neurodivergent identities on campus. As part of this process, I launched a pilot titled Gaming And Mind Equity: Outreach for Neurodiversity – Immersive Experiences (GAME: ON-IE). The premise of GAME: ON-IE is to provide an immersive VR experience for neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals and measure how to relax and destress. The intervention ran during Neurodiversity Week on March 16-20, 2026 at the University of Michigan Duderstadt Visualization Studio. Study participants employed the studio’s available VR equipment, which included MetaQuest Pro headsets with the immersive experiences Gorilla Tag, SuperHot, Beat Saber, and Wiz-Herd. Participants were directed to participate in one of the four experiences of their choosing for a minimum of 15 minutes and provide feedback on their experience via survey, reflecting participants’ neurodivergent identification, relaxation level, extent of immersion and the factors that influenced it, and pre- and post-stress levels. The survey also gauged interest in expanding access to such VR environments on a wider scale at the University.
