Emotional intelligence and spatial abilities as predictors of successful interaction with digital avatars in virtual reality

Abstract

Background. The forced digitalization of everyday life poses tasks for psychology to study manifestations of the personal characteristics of the subject associated with interpersonal communication in the virtual reality environment. It is assumed that a high level of emotional intelligence, formed attachment to close people and a high level of the spatial ability development will contribute to the success of interaction with a digital avatar. 

Objective. The study had its purpose to investigate the manifestations of emotional intelligence, spatial abilities and types of attachment to close people as factors determining success of interaction with a virtual avatar in the virtual reality environment, assessed through the relevance of the emotional-facial expression demonstrated by him. 

Sample. The study involved 55 university students aged 18 to 25. 

Methods. A battery of tests were used for diagnostics of the level of emotional intelligence development, spatial abilities, and types of attachment to close people. After that, the subjects participated in a quasi-experiment organized by means of the VR technology (CAVE system) to investigate the features of interaction with virtual avatars. 

Results. The study allowed to reveal the features of behavior in virtual reality in the subjects with different levels of emotional intelligence, spatial abilities and type of attachment when interacting with virtual avatars. It is shown that effectiveness of solving a simulated communicative task in virtual reality depends on the level of development of a person’s spatial abilities. 

Conclusions. It was revealed that insecure types of attachment correspond to lower levels of emotional intelligence, and the level of anxiety in close relationships determines the ability to manage emotions. There is a connection between the level of development of spatial abilities and the subject’s emotional intelligence.

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