Depersonalisation /Derealisation (DP/DR) has been an object of interest in clinical psychology for many years, with its exact causes still uncertain and debated. As part of a pilot study for a...Show moreDepersonalisation /Derealisation (DP/DR) has been an object of interest in clinical psychology for many years, with its exact causes still uncertain and debated. As part of a pilot study for a larger study, this paper attempts to integrate information from previous studies to link DP/DR to disrupted interoceptive processes, indicated through a disruption in the sense of presence in the real world and decreased heart rate variability (HRV). By using a virtual reality (VR) experience to induce an altered state of consciousness, data from questionnaires and electrocardiogram (ECG) measures were used to determine the relations between the sense of presence and HRV, depending on whether attention was directed, or the participant was allowed to fully immerse themselves in the experience. While no significant results were found, the limitation of a small sample size does not necessarily imply the rejection of the theoretical assumptions shaping the proposed hypothesis, and trends in the data may reflect the theoretical background.Show less
The importance of VR technology is increasing in many fields, yet current literature regarding personal characteristics and their ability to influence VR experiences is very limited and ambiguous....Show moreThe importance of VR technology is increasing in many fields, yet current literature regarding personal characteristics and their ability to influence VR experiences is very limited and ambiguous. In order to have a better understanding of these dynamics, this study analyses the relationship between Sense of Presence and interaction with VR environments in relation to certain personal characteristics such as personality type and mental rotation ability. For this purpose, 22 participants are recruited to experience the presented virtual environment. They are able to interact with certain objects within it, for example by lifting them up and throwing them around. Each interaction is counted and their answers on the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) and a Mental Rotation task are measured. A correlational design is used and scores are analysed by means of multiple linear regression models. Results show no significant effects for any of the factors after correcting for multiple testing, however Neuroticism shows a positive pattern for Spatial Presence (p<.05) and Mental Rotation demonstrates a possible positive relation with Realism (p<.05). In conclusion, it is postulated that personal characteristics might play a role in feelings of presence in virtual spaces, however due to limited power and other methodological factors, significance was not reached. In alignment with our aim, this study aids in enriching the scarce literature that is currently available by presenting its own results and by further offering interesting clues for future research into the relationship (neuro)-psychological factors might have with our experiences of VR.Show less
