Abstract:
Background: Microaggressions are subtle slights that can cause significant psychological distress among marginalized groups. Few studies have explored interventions that might mitigate these effects. Objective: This study aimed to investigate if and how humor-infused immersive storytelling via virtual reality (VR) could reduce identity-related psychological distress caused by microaggressions. Methods: Using a community-based participatory research approach, we developed a 7-min 360-degree VR film depicting scenarios of microaggressions across various identities. Forty-six college students participated in a controlled study where they were exposed to this immersive VR experience. We measured identity-related psychological anxiety, character identification, perceived humor, and perceived psychological presence. Results: The findings demonstrated a significant anxiety reduction following the VR intervention, supporting the efficacy of humor-infused storytelling in alleviating the impact of microaggressions. Character identification significantly predicted anxiety reduction, while perceived humor and psychological presence did not directly influence anxiety reduction but indirectly contributed through enhanced character identification. Conclusions: Humor-infused immersive storytelling, facilitated by VR, effectively reduces identity-related psychological distress primarily through character identification. The structural equation modeling results emphasize the importance of integrating humor and psychological presence to enhance character connection, advocating for a balanced approach that combines traditional narrative elements with technological innovations in health interventions aimed at combating the adverse psychological effects of microaggressions.
摘要:
背景:微侵害是微妙的轻视,可在边缘化群体中引起严重的心理困扰。很少有研究探索可能减轻这些影响的干预措施。目的:本研究旨在调查通过虚拟现实(VR)注入幽默的沉浸式讲故事是否以及如何减少由微攻击引起的与身份相关的心理困扰。方法:采用基于社区的参与式研究方法,我们开发了一部7分钟的360度VR电影,描绘了各种身份的微攻击场景。46名大学生参加了一项对照研究,他们接触到了这种身临其境的VR体验。我们测量了与身份相关的心理焦虑,字符识别,感知到的幽默,和感知的心理存在。结果:研究结果表明,VR干预后焦虑显著减少,支持幽默叙事在减轻微侵略影响方面的功效。性格识别显着预测焦虑减少,虽然感知到的幽默和心理存在并不直接影响焦虑的减少,但通过增强的性格识别间接地做出了贡献。结论:注入幽默的沉浸式讲故事,由VR推动,主要通过性格识别有效减少与身份相关的心理困扰。结构方程建模结果强调了整合幽默和心理存在以增强角色联系的重要性,倡导一种平衡的方法,将传统的叙事元素与健康干预措施中的技术创新相结合,旨在对抗微攻击的不利心理影响。