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Immersive Storytelling and Mental Wellness in Medical Tourism: From Emotional Narratives to Metaverse Healing Spaces

Immersive Storytelling and Mental Wellness in Medical Tourism: From Emotional Narratives to Metaverse Healing Spaces
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Author(s): Tuyen Tran (University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 26
Source title: Marketing Mental Wellness in Medical Tourism
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Viana Imad Hassan (European Tourism and Events Training Academy, Malta), Simon Abou Fayad (Lebanese University, Lebanon)and Sharif Mohd (NDIM Delhi, India)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-6881-8.ch010

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Abstract

This chapter develops the immersive storytelling-wellness framework (ISWF) to explain how digital storytelling, immersive technologies, and metaverse environments can foster mental wellness in medical tourism. Drawing upon the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model and the Broaden-and-Build Theory, the framework conceptualizes a psychosocial mechanism through which immersive experiences transform patients' anxiety into trust, control, and connectedness. Storytelling provides emotional meaning and empathy; immersive technology (augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality) strengthens psychological control and preparedness; while the metaverse sustains social belonging and digital empathy across borders. The chapter synthesizes findings from interdisciplinary research in tourism, healthcare marketing, and human-technology interaction, proposing an ethical and human-centered model for digital healing. It also highlights theoretical and practical implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and destination marketers.

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