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  4. Affective avatars: Effects of avatar customization on positive and negative emotions

Affective avatars: Effects of avatar customization on positive and negative emotions

File(s)
Pandita_cornellgrad_0058F_13265.pdf (14.05 MB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://doi.org/10.7298/2ytd-kp82
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/112027
Collections
Cornell Theses and Dissertations
Author
Pandita, Swati
Abstract

Avatar customization and the use of self-similar avatars are two common strategies for increasing avatar identification in virtual health interventions. However, avatar customization interfaces can exclude the creation of minority identities, which further exacerbates inequities in representation along with poor customization experiences. An online study (N = 82) was conducted to investigate the effects of avatar customization, satisfaction with the customization experience, and avatar identification types (similar or wishful) on positive and negative affect with groups that are well-represented (White) and underrepresented (Asian American & Pacific Islanders) in avatar customization interfaces. Participants were assigned or instructed to create an avatar for a series of Cyberball games. Findings indicate that avatar customization does not significantly change positive or negative affect when compared to avatar assignment. However, differences in avatar customization satisfaction between AAPI and White individuals suggest that socially exclusive avatar creation interfaces can impact an individual’s virtual experience.

Description
152 pages
Date Issued
2022-08
Keywords
avatars
•
embodiment
•
identity
•
mental health
•
race
•
representation
Committee Chair
Won, Andrea Stevenson
Committee Member
Bazarova, Natalie
Humphreys, Lee H.
Degree Discipline
Communication
Degree Name
Ph. D., Communication
Degree Level
Doctor of Philosophy
Rights
Attribution 4.0 International
Rights URI
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Type
dissertation or thesis
Link(s) to Catalog Record
https://newcatalog.library.cornell.edu/catalog/15578838

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