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Creating Virtual-hand and Virtual-face Illusions to Investigate Self-representation
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Body Dissatisfaction Directs Avatar Perception: Embodiment and Selective Visual Attention in Body Mass-Modified
Philipp A Schroeder1, Nina A Gehrer1, Mareike Reents1
1Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
|November 10, 2023
Summary
Virtual reality self-avatars did not change body dissatisfaction but altered visual attention to body parts. Participants with low body dissatisfaction experienced more disembodiment in VR, potentially reducing negative body image experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Virtual Reality
Background:
- Metaverse technologies like virtual reality (VR) disconnect users from their physical bodies, immersing them in virtual avatars.
- This body transformation has potential implications for individuals with body dissatisfaction (BD) and eating disorders.
- Visual selective attention, measurable via eye tracking, is theoretically linked to changes in body image.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of self-avatar body weight manipulation in VR on body dissatisfaction and visual attention in women with high and low BD.
- To explore the role of embodiment and disembodiment during VR self-avatar exposure.
Main Methods:
- 43 women with high or low BD were immersed in VR with self-avatars whose weight was manipulated (normal vs. overweight) in a crossover design.
- Embodiment was enhanced through visuomotor and visuo-tactile contingencies before mirror exposure.
- Eye tracking measured visual attention to body parts, and subjective experiences were assessed.
Main Results:
- Body dissatisfaction was not significantly affected by self-avatar weight manipulation.
- Embodiment decreased during mirror exposure, with stronger disembodiment observed in women with low BD.
- Eye tracking revealed body-specific attention: high BD participants focused on weight-related areas in overweight avatars, while low BD participants focused on them in normal-weight avatars.
Conclusions:
- Results support body-specific visual attention patterns in VR.
- Participants with low BD experienced greater disembodiment, potentially offering a temporary buffer against negative body image.
- VR self-avatar immersion may influence body perception and attention differently based on pre-existing body dissatisfaction levels.
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