Associations between psychological distress, early adverse experiences, and choice of avatars in an immersive virtual world

Abstract

IntroductionVirtual reality environments (VREs) are an emerging modality consisting of computer-generated worlds. Players in VREs can choose to create representative avatars. Such choices may reflect beliefs related to identity and psychological functioning. The aim of the present study was to examine associations between psychological distress, exposure to adverse childhood experiences, and choice of avatar in an immersive virtual environment. MethodsWe recruited 436 participants in a VRE. Participants completed the Early Traumatic Inventory Self Report-Short Form and the Brief Symptom Inventory. We evaluated between-group differences (selection of child avatar, parent avatar, or “other” avatar, the control group) in psychological distress and traumatic childhood experiences. ResultsIndividuals who selected child avatars experienced a higher degree of psychological distress and childhood trauma, especially sexual abuse, as compared to individuals who selected other avatars. Individuals who selected parent avatars were more likely to have experienced psychological distress as compared to controls. DiscussionAvatar choice may reflect users’ identities and psychological functioning. VREs may provide safe environments for a “do over” of adverse childhood experiences. Future research should explore VREs as venues to treat trauma and psychological distress.