Exposure to simulated nature promotes positive body image irrespective of the presentation modality : A comparison of images, 2-dimensional film, and 360° immersive film
Recent publication
A current multi-centre study, co-authored by Dr Stefan Stieger and Dr David Willinger MSc, sheds light on the effects of contact with simulated nature scenes on body image. Different forms of presentation - images, 2D films and 360° films - were compared with each other. 136 German-speaking adults from Austria took part in the study and were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Before and after watching the nature scenes, the participants evaluated their body image and emotional well-being. The results show that body image improves in all groups, regardless of the form of presentation. The involvement of KL students in this work is also noteworthy, contributing to new insights into the positive influence of virtual nature experiences on well-being.
Swami, V., Graf, H. M., Biebl, S., Schmid, T., Siebenhandl, A., Willinger, D., Galeazzi, F., & Stieger, S. (2024). Exposure to simulated nature promotes positive body image irrespective of the presentation modality: A comparison of images, 2-dimensional film, and 360° immersive film. Body Image, 51, 101803. Artikel 101803. Vorzeitige Online-Publikation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101803
Univ.-Prof. PD Mag. Dr. Stefan Stieger
Head of
Department of Psychological Methodology
Dr. David Willinger MSc
Scientific Staff (PostDoc)
Department of Psychological Methodology