IAVRS-International Affective Virtual Reality System: Psychometric Assessment of 360° Images by Using...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Virtual Reality (VR) is a powerful tool for inducing emotions due to its immersive nature.
• Existing VR emotion databases primarily use a dimensional approach and lack concurrent physiological data.
• Novel VR formats like 360° videos offer new possibilities for controlled emotional experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a new database of 360° images for emotion elicitation using both dimensional and discrete emotional models.
• To assess emotional responses through self-reporting, psychophysiological signals, and eye tracking.
• To explore the relationship between dimensional and discrete emotion models and their physiological correlates.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six participants were exposed to 46 immersive 360° images.
• Emotional reactions were measured using self-report questionnaires.
• Psychophysiological signals (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance) and eye-tracking data were collected concurrently.

Main Results:

• The IAVRS database successfully elicited a broad spectrum of emotions, encompassing varied valence and arousal levels.
• A significant correspondence was observed between discrete and dimensional emotion models.
• Images showing convergence between both models demonstrated particularly strong effects on arousal and valence.

Conclusions:

• The IAVRS database is a valuable resource for emotion elicitation research in VR.
• Findings highlight the interplay between dimensional and discrete emotion theories and their physiological underpinnings.
• This study underscores the complexity of emotion induction in VR and the need for further investigation into physiological correlates.