Teen Reactions to a Self-Representational Avatar: A Qualitative Exploration

Authors

Emily Baysden
Ninna Mendoza
Chishinga Callender
Zhigang Deng
Debbe Thompson

Publication Date

3-1-2022

Journal

Journal of Sport and Health Science

DOI

10.1016/j.jshs.2021.07.004

PMID

34293497

PMCID

PMC9068574

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

7-10-2021

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

Adolescent, Child, Humans, Pleasure, Video Games, Avatar, Exergame, Physical activity, Relatedness, Self-determination theory

Abstract

Purpose: This research presents findings from a qualitative exploration of the reactions of adolescents (12-14 years old) to navigating an exergame with an avatar created from multiple scans of the player (referred to as a self-representational avatar).

Methods: Post-gameplay interviews were conducted with adolescents following participation in a 20-min laboratory session (21.2 ± 0.8 min, mean ± SD) where the self-representational avatar was navigated through an exergame. Verbatim transcripts (n = 40) were coded and analyzed by 2 independent coders using hybrid thematic analysis for this secondary data analysis. Codes were reviewed to identify themes representing adolescents' reactions.

Results: Four themes emerged. Adolescents connected with their avatars and felt protective toward them, which influenced their actions in the exergame and contributed to their overall game enjoyment.

Conclusion: Creating exergames navigated by a self-representational avatar was an enjoyable experience and influenced gameplay. Future research should explore the effect of this approach on gameplay frequency and intensity over time.