Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2025
07:09
Virtual Reality Experiments with Physiological Measures
Published on: August 29, 2018
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Virtually Connected: Do Shared Novel Activities in Virtual Reality Enhance Self-Expansion and Relationship Quality?
Rhonda N Balzarini1,2, Anya Sharma3, Amy Muise3
1Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 24, 2025
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) can enhance relationship quality by increasing partner presence and reducing boredom, though in-person interactions may be more effective for self-expansion. Novel VR experiences show promise for relationship maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Self-expansion theory posits that shared novel experiences enhance relationship quality and prevent boredom.
- Modern societal trends, like long-distance relationships, limit opportunities for couples to engage in shared novel activities.
- Virtual reality (VR) presents a potential avenue for couples to experience novelty and connection despite physical distance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if shared novel activities in virtual reality (VR) can facilitate self-expansion, reduce boredom, and improve relationship quality.
- To compare the effects of VR interactions versus video interactions on relationship dynamics.
- To explore the impact of novel versus mundane VR experiences on relationship outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Two in-lab experiments were conducted with romantic couples.
- Study 1 compared shared novel activities in VR versus over video (N=183).
- Study 2 compared novel versus mundane VR experiences (N=141), with exploratory analyses considering immersion.
Main Results:
- VR interactions led to greater presence and less boredom than video interactions in Study 1.
- Higher reported presence in VR correlated with greater self-expansion, less boredom, and better relationship quality.
- Novel VR experiences in Study 2 reduced boredom and increased closeness, with exploratory findings suggesting benefits for self-expansion and closeness when accounting for immersion.
Conclusions:
- While VR interactions can enhance partner presence and reduce boredom, they may have less potential for self-expansion compared to in-person interactions.
- VR offers unique possibilities for fostering connection and relationship quality, particularly through its ability to increase presence.
- Future research should explore VR's potential for relationship maintenance, leveraging its immersive qualities to overcome geographical barriers.
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