Abstract
In this paper we present a study that empirically compares the effects of different variations of a virtual representation of health (VRH) on an individual’s motivation and intention to improve their health behavior. We aimed to understand how the approach of a 3D virtual character can be most effective for positively influencing an individual’s motivation and intention to engage in a healthier diet and more physical activity. Four variations of this vicarious virtual character were tested: (1) holding a still pose, (2) mimicking health behavior, (3) personifying a possible future health status, and (4) both mimicking health behavior and personifying a possible future health status. The results from data collected from 512 participants in three European countries indicate that in particular juxtaposing the current VRH to a possible future version has a positive effect. Subjective satisfaction measurements imply that that the approach is well received by a general population.
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Schmeil, A., Suggs, L.S. (2014). An Empirical Comparison of Variations of a Virtual Representation of an Individual’s Health. In: Spagnolli, A., Chittaro, L., Gamberini, L. (eds) Persuasive Technology. PERSUASIVE 2014. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8462. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07127-5_18
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07127-5_18
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
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