Effect of external characteristics of a virtual human being during the use of a computer-assisted therapy tool

TL;DR

This study investigates how the external characteristics of a virtual agent (self-similar vs dissimilar) influence user identification and experience in computer-assisted therapy for dysfunctional cognitions. Using an experimental design, participants customized agents, confronted their negative beliefs, and completed measures of identification, affect, and intrinsic motivation, enabling analysis of how similarity interacts with therapeutic engagement. Findings indicate that self-similar agents boost identification before confrontation, but confrontation generally reduces identification, with affect and motivation showing condition-dependent patterns and higher tension in dissimilar settings. The results inform the design of therapy tools, highlighting that visual design and customization can modulate engagement and potentially therapeutic outcomes, while underscoring the need for longer-term studies to assess sustained effects.

Abstract

Identification within media, whether with real or fictional characters, significantly impacts users, shaping their behavior and enriching their social and emotional experiences. Immersive media, like video games, utilize virtual entities such as agents, avatars, or NPCs to connect users with virtual worlds, fostering a heightened sense of immersion and identification. However, challenges arise in visually representing these entities, with design decisions crucial for enhancing user interaction. Recent research highlights the potential of user-defined design, or customization, which goes beyond mere visual resemblance to the user. Understanding how identification with virtual avatars influences user experiences, especially in psychological interventions, is pivotal. In a study exploring this, 22 participants created virtual agents either similar or dissimilar to themselves, which then addressed their dysfunctional thoughts. Results indicate that similarity between users and virtual agents not only boosts identification but also positively impacts emotions and motivation, enhancing interest and enjoyment. This study sheds light on the significance of customization and identification, particularly in computer-assisted therapy tools, underscoring the importance of visual design for optimizing user experiences.

Figures (4)

• Figure 1: Customization scene setup.
• Figure 2: Identification with Virtual Agent after Customization (PRE) and after Confrontation (POST).
• Figure 3: Positive and Negative Affect during Customization (PRE) and Confrontation (POST).
• Figure 4: Intrinsic Motivation subscale ratings for interaction with Virtual Agent for both settings.