Sensation Seeking but not Sensory Sensitivity is Associated with More Simulator Sickness in an Active Control Virtual Reality Experience

Abstract

This study explored how individual differences in self-reported sensory processing for 40 participants influenced susceptibility to simulator sickness (SS) while in virtual reality (VR). Participants completed multiple questionnaires to evaluate these traits before being exposed to the VR experience Boneworks for 20 minutes. An SS questionnaire was also completed before and after exposure to VR to evaluate a change from baseline. It was expected that those high in sensory processing sensitivity would be more susceptible to SS due to an enhanced detection of and reaction to the sensory conflicts that occur when experiencing VR. However, no relationship was found between levels of sensory processing sensitivity and increased SS symptoms. On the other hand, significant relations were found between more behaviourally active, sensory-processing-related traits like sensation seeking, sensory avoidance, the Behavioural Activation System (BAS), and Extraversion. That is, sensation seeking, BAS, and Extraversion were all positively correlated, and sensation avoidance negatively correlated with SS symptoms. Hence, the results suggest that those who sought more stimulation were more likely to experience SS while those more avoidant were less likely. Additionally, we found a negative correlation between reported usability of the VR experience and SS symptoms, indicating those who found the VR experience easier to control were less likely to have SS symptoms.