TeenWorlds: Supporting Emotional Expression for Teenagers with their Parents and Peers through a Collaborative VR Experience
Journal
Proceedings of the International Conference on Virtual Reality
Type
conference contribution
Date Issued
2024-08-01
Author(s)
Evropi Stefanidi
;
Nadine Wagener
;
Dustin Augsten
;
;
Paweł W. Woźniak
;
;
Yvonne Rogers
;
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of growth and exploration, marked by influential relationships with peers and parents. These relationships are essential for teenagers’ well-being, highlighting the need to support their interpersonal interactions. Emotional expression is key in resolving conflicts that can frequently arise. This paper investigates the potential of TeenWorlds, a Virtual Reality (VR) application, to facilitate emotional expression and shared understanding among teenagers and their peers and parents. In our study, teenagers, accompanied by either a peer or a parent (total n=42), used TeenWorlds to visually represent their emotions during a shared conflict, discuss them, and collaborate on a joint VR drawing. Our findings indicate that TeenWorlds can foster communication, reflection, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. However, notable differences were observed in interactions with peers versus parents. We contribute insights into designing VR systems that support reflective experiences and meaningful family interactions, ultimately enhancing the well-being of adolescents, parents, and families.
Language
English
Book title
Proceedings of the International Conference on Virtual Reality
Publisher
ACM
Event Title
VRST
Event Location
Trier, Germany
Division(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
vrst.pdf
Size
13.4 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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