This project aims to extend the existing knowledge on emotion regulation, looking to detect the impact of extrinsic regulation experiences in immersive environments on players and spectators. We will apply a multimodal sensing approach to detect emotional changes in the player using biometric data (electrodermal activity, heart rate, speech analysis, eye movement, pupil dilation), movement signals, and conscious emotional experiences.

Research has highlighted social media’s benefits for promoting a sense of belonging and community, and for supporting the up-regulation of positive emotions. With the wider adoption of immersive social VR platforms, we have an opportunity and social imperative to design tools that support community building and its benefits for each member. As we move to social VR platforms, however, the mechanisms and interactions through which we can design to develop and support up-regulating positive emotions remain poorly understood. This project aims to develop an understanding of emotion regulation in VR to lay the foundations for positive and supportive, social VR experiences.