Influence of individual factors on presence

The present paper is a review of the role of individual factors in Spatial Presence. If Spatial Presence is a subjective mental phenomenon psychological factors must have an important role on it. Our review shows that, even though many authors claim about the need for a better understanding about this relation, empirical evidence is still very limited. Personality-related factors as absorption, and the capability to be immersed show to have an influence on the sense of Presence. Additional evidence is needed for the role of such factors as extraversion/introversion. Evidence of the impact of cognitive abilities on Presence in complex media environments is greatly indirect, and based on studies investigating the effect of those cognitive abilities on situation awareness and task performance. The role of practice and demographic factors is also considered. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.