The effectiveness of virtual reality with or without head-mounted displays: focusing on the role of spatial presence and immersive tendency for responding to particulate matter

This study used two randomized experiments (Study 1: N = 226, Study 2: N = 88) to examine the interplay between spatial presence and immersive tendencies while viewing virtual reality (VR) videos (360-degree live-action and 3D graphics), with and without head-mounted display (HMD) devices, and their influence on behavior intentions for particulate matter (PM) mitigation. The results showed that participants who watched these videos with HMDs experienced higher spatial presence, which significantly mediated their PM mitigation behavior intentions. This mediation effect was not observed in participants who watched videos without HMDs. Additionally, immersive tendency moderated the effect of viewing 3D-graphics VR videos with HMDs on PM mitigation behavior intentions. These findings highlight the potential of VR video strategies to enhance behavioral changes related to PM risks and environmental issues.