Tourism consumers' time estimation of virtual reality experience: Combining self-reporting and physiological measures

Abstract

An internal clock model was adopted to explore the mechanism whereby experiences of virtual reality influence tourism consumers' time estimation. A multidimensional virtual reality theater simulator was used to create virtual reality experiences for 172 participants. Self-reported and physiological data were collected to test the model. The results of the study revealed that focused attention, indicated by heart and respiratory rates, is an essential determinant of subjective time estimation. Arousal serves as a significant mediator between focused intention and time estimation, while enjoyment has a marginally negative influence on time estimation. These findings extend the internal clock model. They also have important practical implications for media providers and tourism destination agents seeking to engage tourism consumers in virtual reality experiences.