Induction and Profiling of Strong Multi-Componential Emotions in Virtual Reality

Psychological theories of emotion have often defined an as simultaneous changes in several mental and bodily components. In addition, appraisal assume that component elicits the other components (e.g., motivational, behavioural, experiential). Neither componential definition nor theory been systematically translated to paradigms for induction, many which rely on passive induction without a clear theoretical framework. As result, observed emotions are weak. This study explored potential virtual reality (VR) evoke strong ecologically valid scenarios fully engaged participant. Participants played VR games reported their emotions. Multivariate analyses using hierarchical clustering multilevel linear modelling showed participants experienced intense, multi-componential VR. We identified joy fear clusters responses, each involving appraisal, motivation, physiology, feeling, regulation. Appraisal variables were found be most predictive intensities, compared components, explain individual differences scenarios, predicted by theory. The results advocate upgraded methodologies analysis processes.