How Deep Is a Virtual Reality Experience? Virtual Environments, Emotions and Physiological Measures

Abstract

Previous studies have shown a relationship between virtual environments and subjectively evaluated emotions. The present study intends to understand if an emotion evaluated subjectively is related to an objective measurement like heart rate. In the study, a design between subjects with two virtual environments was used. A sample of 58 participants participated in this study, in two immersive virtual environments: Helix® (a roller coaster experience, n = 36); and Yana® (experience of sunset/sunrise, n = 22). Subjective and objective measures (heart rate) were measured. The results are consistent with previous studies and our hypotheses. As for the subjective measures it is concluded that these measures were related to physiological measures, so the emotional response to an event in virtual reality is not only an interpretation of the situation but also a physiological phenomenon.