"It Felt Like a Dream": Understanding En-Roling and De-Roling in Virtual Reality Through the Affect Lens.
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| Title: | "It Felt Like a Dream": Understanding En-Roling and De-Roling in Virtual Reality Through the Affect Lens. |
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| Authors: | Burrell Jr., Shane L. (AUTHOR), Wilson, Andrew J. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. May2026, Vol. 42 Issue 9, p6789-6803. 15p. |
| Subjects: | Virtual reality, Affect (Psychology), Parasocial relationships, Identity (Psychology), Cognitive psychology |
| Abstract: | This study applies affect theory to examine how first-time VR users experience character identification, embodiment, and immersion. Through a two-step exposure/interview methodology, we investigate the formation of para-social relationships in virtual environments, focusing on "en-roling" (avatar adaptation) and "de-roling" (avatar relinquishing) processes. These dual processes influence users' perceptions and affective states, particularly during the disorienting sensory reintegration back to reality. Building on existing literature around presence and immersion, our research offers a new framework for understanding identity navigation in simulated environments. We analyze how en/de-roling processes transform users' perceptions of their VR experiences and identify the conditions enabling these transitions as participants shift between their actual personalities and virtual personas. This alternative perspective enhances our understanding of psychological dynamics in VR engagement, with implications for how users emotionally process the boundary between virtual and physical worlds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | This study applies affect theory to examine how first-time VR users experience character identification, embodiment, and immersion. Through a two-step exposure/interview methodology, we investigate the formation of para-social relationships in virtual environments, focusing on "en-roling" (avatar adaptation) and "de-roling" (avatar relinquishing) processes. These dual processes influence users' perceptions and affective states, particularly during the disorienting sensory reintegration back to reality. Building on existing literature around presence and immersion, our research offers a new framework for understanding identity navigation in simulated environments. We analyze how en/de-roling processes transform users' perceptions of their VR experiences and identify the conditions enabling these transitions as participants shift between their actual personalities and virtual personas. This alternative perspective enhances our understanding of psychological dynamics in VR engagement, with implications for how users emotionally process the boundary between virtual and physical worlds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10447318 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10447318.2025.2498476 |
