Files
Document type
ArticleVersion
Published versionPublication date
Publication license
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/151061
Is this my own body? Changing the perceptual and affective body image experience among college students using a new virtual reality embodiment-based technique
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Additional contribution
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Body image disturbances (BIDs) have been widely studied using virtual reality (VR) devices that induce a full body illusion (FBI) and allow manipulation of the individual's perceptual and affective experiences of the body. This study aimed to assess whether the induction of the FBI over a virtual body would produce changes in body-related anxiety and BIDs using a new whole-body visuo-tactile stimulation procedure. Fifty non-clinical participants were randomly assigned to synchronous or asynchronous visuo-tactile groups. During the pre-assessment, all participants filled in BIDs and body-anxiety questionnaires. Then, they were embodied into two virtual bodies (VBs): firstly, with their real measurements, and secondly, with a larger-size body. Body image disturbances, body anxiety, fear of gaining weight, and FBI levels were assessed after exposure to each avatar. All participants in both conditions showed higher levels of BIDs and body anxiety after owning the larger-size VB than after owning the real-size VB (p < 0.05). The synchronous visuo-tactile group had higher scores, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. This study provides evidence of the usefulness of this new embodiment-based technique to induce changes in BIDs or body anxiety in a non-clinical sample, being suitable for use in future body image interventions.
Related resource
Subject
Subject (English)
Citation
Citation
PORRAS-GARCÍA, Bruno, et al. Is this my own body? Changing the perceptual and affective body image experience among college students using a new virtual reality embodiment-based technique. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2019. Vol. 8, num. 7, pags. 925. ISSN 2077-0383. [consulted: 15 of October of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/151061