Understanding the Link Between Virtual Reality Immersion and Sensory Integration: Recognizing Opportunity- and Risk Potential for School-Age Users, and How to Address Them.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Understanding the Link Between Virtual Reality Immersion and Sensory Integration: Recognizing Opportunity- and Risk Potential for School-Age Users, and How to Address Them.
Authors:	Fuchs-Brantl, Monika¹, Schmid-Holmes, Sabine
Source:	Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice. 2025, Vol. 25 Issue 3, p143-165. 23p.
Subject Terms:	*School children, Virtual reality, Sensorimotor integration, Virtual reality software, Identity (Psychology), Self-perception
Abstract:	Sensory integration is central to perceptual processing of real-world stimuli, and thus to understanding how virtual reality (VR) "tricks" the senses. Based on literature review and expert-interviews, we discussed (1) how sensory functions relate to body self-image, (2) how sensory experiences affect identitydevelopment, and (3) what opportunities and risks VR-immersion presents for schoolchildren. Results strongly advise VR-users' development-age should be considered before VR-immersion, to minimize development-disruption potential. This mandates, (i) age-appropriate VR-software selection, based on immersion-criteria descriptors, and (ii) application of detailed use-recommendations, including sensoryintervention strategies. Both, descriptors and use-recommendations are introduced here, and support safe VR-use with schoolchildren. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	Sensory integration is central to perceptual processing of real-world stimuli, and thus to understanding how virtual reality (VR) "tricks" the senses. Based on literature review and expert-interviews, we discussed (1) how sensory functions relate to body self-image, (2) how sensory experiences affect identitydevelopment, and (3) what opportunities and risks VR-immersion presents for schoolchildren. Results strongly advise VR-users' development-age should be considered before VR-immersion, to minimize development-disruption potential. This mandates, (i) age-appropriate VR-software selection, based on immersion-criteria descriptors, and (ii) application of detailed use-recommendations, including sensoryintervention strategies. Both, descriptors and use-recommendations are introduced here, and support safe VR-use with schoolchildren. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	21583595
DOI:	10.33423/jhetp.v25i3.7793