How do word valence and classes influence lexical processing? Evidence from virtual reality emotional contexts

Abstract

The current study examines the influence of word class (i.e., noun vs. adjective) and valence (i.e., positive vs. negative vs. neutral) on the processing of emotional words under different virtual reality (VR) emotional contexts. To this end, 115 participants performed a modified affect labeling task after experiencing different VR scenarios. Their galvanic skin responses were also examined to further gauge the different effects of VR contexts. The results demonstrated significant main effect for word valence, indicating more processing of positive words relative to neutral words which are processed more than negative words. The results also demonstrated significant main effect for word class, indicating more processing of nouns in contrast to adjectives. Additionally, the results indicated that both positive and negative VR contexts could stimulate participants to select more positive words though negatively valenced words were processed more under negative VR context relative to positive VR context. However, the amplitude of galvanic skin responses in positive VR was lower than that in negative VR. The results were interpreted in line with the situation-consistency effects, the mood-consistency effects, the specific nature of VR context, and the different features of different word classes in terms of concreteness, imageability, arousal, and valence.

Self-Assessed Experience of Emotional Involvement in Sensory Analysis Performed in Virtual Reality

“…Additionally, Mahmud et al [50] found that exposure to relaxing virtual environments induced positive emotions and reduced negative The role of VR in eliciting positive emotions was also explored in various contexts. Wang et al [49] demonstrated the role of emotional responses in VR exhibitions, where participants reported feeling pleasure and satisfaction, indicating the potential of VR environments to evoke positive emotions. Additionally, Mahmud et al [50] found that exposure to relaxing virtual environments induced positive emotions and reduced negative emotions, highlighting the potential therapeutic effects of VR in promoting positive emotional experiences.…”

“…Chirico et al [53] have highlighted that VR has the potential to elicit both positive and negative emotions, indicating that emotional experiences in VR environments are of a dual nature. Meanwhile, Wang et al [49] have emphasized that the emotional impact of VR is influenced by the specific VR context, as demonstrated by the processing of balanced words. Furthermore, Ślósarz et al [22] have observed an increase in the intensity of positive emotions following VR intervention, compared to the intensity of negative emotions during the post test, indicating a potential positive influence of VR on emotions.…”