Breathe With Me: A Virtual Meditation Coach

A virtual agent that guides users through mindfulness meditation sessions is described. The agent uses input from a respiration sensor to both respond to user breathing rate and use deep breaths as a continuation and acknowledgment signal. A pilot evaluation study comparing the agent to a self-help video indicates that users are very receptive to the virtual meditation coach, and that it is more effective at reducing anxiety and increasing mindfulness and flow state compared to the video.