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Updated: May 12, 2026
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A Methodology for Capturing Joint Visual Attention Using Mobile Eye-Trackers
Published on: January 18, 2020
Visual attention towards virtual humans as a function of spatial distance and emotional expression: an eye-tracking
Mariachiara Rapuano1, Tina Iachini2, Gennaro Ruggiero2
1Department of Psychology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy. mariachiara.rapuano@unicampania.it.
Psychological Research
|May 11, 2026
Summary
People adjust their gaze during social interactions based on interpersonal distance. Near distances focus attention on faces, while far distances direct it to the whole body, aiding threat assessment and response preparation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Interpersonal distance regulates social interactions and relationship quality.
- Body space acts as a protective buffer, with size varying based on perceived safety.
- Gaze direction is crucial for understanding intentions and preparing responses during social encounters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how spatial distance influences visual attention to different body parts during social interactions.
- To examine the combined effects of spatial distance and facial expression on gaze patterns.
- To understand the adaptive function of gaze modulation in social threat detection and response.
Main Methods:
- Utilized eye-tracking technology within an immersive virtual reality environment.
- Assessed gaze shifts to various body parts across near, middle, and far spatial distances.
- Manipulated facial expressions (happy, angry, neutral) of virtual interactants.
Main Results:
- At near distances, visual attention predominantly focused on the interactant's face.
- At far distances, attention shifted to encompass the interactant's whole body.
- In middle distances, particularly with angry expressions, attention focused on action-relevant body parts like arms.
Conclusions:
- Spatial distance significantly modulates visual attention to specific body parts during social interactions.
- Gaze patterns adapt to prioritize information gathering relevant to the context (e.g., disposition at near, threat assessment at far).
- Attention to effectors in middle distances suggests preparation for action, especially in potentially threatening situations.
