While Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly employed for stress management, most applications rely heavily on audio-visual stimuli and overlook the therapeutic potential of squeezing engagement. To address this gap, we introduce VR Calm Plus, a multimodal system that integrates a pressure-sensitive plush toy into an interactive VR environment. This interface allows users to dynamically modulate the virtual atmosphere through physical squeezing actions, fostering a deeper sense of embodied relaxation. We evaluated the system with 40 participants using PANAS-X surveys, subjective questionnaires, physiological measures (heart rate, skin conductance, pulse rate variability), and semi-structured interviews. Results demonstrate that, compared to a visual-only baseline, squeeze-based interaction significantly enhances positive affect and perceived relaxation. Physiological data further revealed a state of "active relaxation", characterized by greater reductions in heart rate and preserved autonomic flexibility (PRV), alongside sustained emotional engagement (GSR). Our findings highlight the value of coupling tangible input with immersive environments to support emotional well-being and offer design insights for future VR-based mental health tools.

翻译：尽管虚拟现实（VR）越来越多地被应用于压力管理，但大多数应用主要依赖视听刺激，忽视了挤压参与的治疗潜力。为弥补这一不足，我们提出了VR Calm Plus——一种将压力感应毛绒玩具集成到交互式VR环境中的多模态系统。该界面允许用户通过物理挤压动作动态调节虚拟氛围，从而促进更深层次的身心放松体验。我们通过PANAS-X量表、主观问卷、生理指标（心率、皮肤电导、脉搏率变异性）以及半结构化访谈，对40名参与者进行了系统评估。结果表明，与仅依赖视觉的基线条件相比，基于挤压的交互能显著增强积极情绪和感知放松程度。生理数据进一步揭示了一种“主动放松”状态，其特征表现为心率下降更显著、自主神经灵活性（PRV）保持良好，同时伴随持续的情绪投入（GSR）。我们的研究结果强调了将实体输入与沉浸式环境相结合对于支持情绪健康的价值，并为未来基于VR的心理健康工具提供了设计启示。