Reimagining Student Wellbeing through Neuro-Immersive Wellness Centre: A Conceptual Innovation from Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia
Authors
Department of Guidance and Counselling, Sultan Idris Education University Malaysia University/College (Malaysia)
Department of Guidance and Counselling, Sultan Idris Education University Malaysia University/College (Malaysia)
Department of Guidance and Counselling, Sultan Idris Education University Malaysia University/College (Malaysia)
Department of Guidance and Counselling, Sultan Idris Education University Malaysia University/College (Malaysia)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000089
Subject Category: Education
Volume/Issue: 9/10 | Page No: 1061-1066
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2025-10-01
Accepted: 2025-10-10
Published: 2025-11-05
Abstract
The growing burden of mental‑health concerns among university students necessitates models that move beyond conventional counselling delivery toward scalable, engaging, and evidence‑attuned ecosystems. This conceptual article delineates the Neuro‑Immersive Wellness Centre (NIWC) at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), a model that integrates neurofeedback, immersive reality (VR/XR), and AI‑assisted analytics with positive‑psychology principles to support student wellbeing, practitioner training, and community engagement. Grounded in neuroplasticity, experiential learning, and purpose‑driven wellbeing, NIWC operationalizes immersive interventions, data‑informed progress monitoring, and pedagogical scaffolds for trainee counsellors. The article critically appraises the model’s affordances and constraints—including ethical governance, cultural adaptation, cost, and sustainability—and proposes a tiered adoption pathway that emphasizes low‑cost digital literacy and reflective practices before high‑end technologies. Clear recommendations are outlined for replication, policy integration, and a pragmatic research agenda to evaluate outcomes and equity in resource‑diverse higher‑education contexts.
Keywords
digital mental health; immersive wellness; virtual reality therapy
Downloads
References
1. World Health Organization. (2022). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. Geneva, Switzerland: Author. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240049338 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. UNESCO. (2023). Futures of education: Learning to become in a digital world. Paris: Author. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Ma, Z., & Clark, A. (2022). Digital-native students’ expectations for online wellbeing services. Computers & Education, 186, 104528. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Thibault, R. T., Lifshitz, M., Birbaumer, N., & Raz, A. (2018). Neurofeedback with fMRI: A critical systematic review. NeuroImage, 172, 786–807.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.12.071 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Coch, D., & Moses, L. J. (2023). Neuroscience and education: Linking brain and behaviour. Educational Psychologist, 58(2), 91–107. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Riva, G., Wiederhold, B. K., & Mantovani, F.(2021). Neuroscience of virtual reality: From virtual exposure to embodied medicine. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 24(1), 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2020.29183.gri [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Maples-Keller, J. L., Yasinski, C., Manjin, N., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2017). The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 25(3), 103–113. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000138 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. New York: Free Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Kern, M. L., Waters, L. E., Adler, A., & White, M. A. (2020). A multidimensional approach to measuring well‑being in students: Applications of the PERMA framework. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 576. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00576 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Ferguson, S., & Hatzer, Á. (2024). A Peer-Led Wellness Café Model for Connection and Belonging. Social Care Ireland. Retrieved from https://socialcareireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Aine-and-Sharon.pdf Social Care Ireland [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Ferguson, S. (2022, October 19). Wellness cafés to support recovery are ‘so much more than a cup of tea’. Mad in Ireland. Retrieved from https://madinireland.com/2022/10/wellness-cafes-to-support-recovery-are-so-much-more-than-a-cup-of-tea/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Mullen, P. R., Crowe, A., & Tangen, J. L. (2018). Development of professional identity in counselling students: A longitudinal examination. Journal of Counselor Practice, 9(1), 1–14. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Wiederhold, B. K., & Wiederhold, M. D. (2020). Virtual-reality therapy: Past, present, and future. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 23(12), 881–888. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. American Psychological Association. (2023). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. APA. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2022). Digital transformation agenda for higher education under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Putrajaya: MOHE. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Luxton, D. D. (2022). Artificial intelligence in behavioural healthcare: Ethical and clinical considerations. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 53(4), 350–359. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Goh, M., & Loke, W. Y. (2020). Cultural contextualization in Malaysian counselling practice. Asian Journal of Counselling, 27(3), 223–239. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Mullen, P. R., Crowe, A., & Tangen, J. L. (2018). Technological competency and ethics in counselling. Journal of Counsellor Practice, 9(1), 1–14. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Barnett, J. E., & Kolmes, K. (2016). The ethical use of technology in clinical practice. Oxford University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
- Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
- “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
- Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
- Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study