Exploring Emotions in Virtual Environments: Probing Anger and Aggression Responses

Abstract

Anger and aggression are primitive emotions, when not adequately regulated and managed in childhood, can later in life manifest in more complicated and dangerous behaviors such as conduct disorders and interpersonal problems. Hence, early identification and intervention are crucial as these shape long-term emotional and behavioral patterns. Novel tools, such as virtual reality-based assessments, present exceptional prospects for precisely evaluating and later managing these emotions in children, promoting healthy emotional growth and well-being. In the field of mental health examination and assessment, virtual reality (VR) technology presents an opportunity for gauging emotional reactions, especially in children. This project involves the creation of a virtual reality (VR) tool for assessing aggression and anger, in children aged 8 to 12, that utilizes virtual environments to elicit and record authentic emotional responses in a safe and professional setting. The assessment is intended to be a useful tool for mental health practitioners, assisting in more precise diagnosis evaluations and well-informed treatment plans. The virtual reality (VR) scenarios have been developed in cooperation with psychologists and specialists to replicate difficulties and conflicting circumstances, generating authentic emotional responses for inspection and examination. The user-friendly interface enabled mental health professionals to interact seamlessly with the tool which made interaction with the VR environment and client data and record storage easier. In this crucial area of mental health care, the developed tool has the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic precision and treatment results, which will eventually lead to improved interventions and support for children dealing with emotional difficulties.