VR for Hope: A Virtual Reality Protocol to Enhance Hope, Mentalization, and Well-Being in Emerging Adults

Psychological well-being is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional construct encompassing emotional, psychological, and social domains. It reflects not only the absence of distress but also the presence of positive functioning, including self-acceptance, a sense of purpose in life, autonomy, and environmental mastery. In young adults, well-being is closely tied to the ability to engage in meaningful action, regulate affect, and construct coherent life narratives. In this context, VR for Hope supports the development of well-being by offering an emotionally immersive space where participants can engage with symbolic representations of their inner experiences, reflect on personal strengths, and envision meaningful future goals. By integrating the constructs of hope, mentalization, and well-being, the protocol fosters reflective awareness and future-oriented agency, contributing to the promotion of long-term psychological growth in emerging adulthood.