Avatar Customization and Embodiment in Virtual Reality Self-Compassion Therapy for Depressive Symptoms: Three-Part Mixed Methods Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As virtual reality technologies become more accessible, understanding how design features influence user experience (UX) and psychological benefit is critical, particularly for emotionally sensitive interventions. Thus, while prior studies support the use of self-compassion paradigms in immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, the effects of avatar stylization, customization, and mirrored self-representation on therapeutic outcomes are not well understood. For instance, while it is often assumed that increasingly realistic avatars are preferable to less realistic ones, this basic premise remains largely untested.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether avatar appearance, customization features, and virtual mirrors affect UX and therapeutic outcomes in V

SUBMITTER: Elliott TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12490737 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature