Using the experience of evoked emotion in virtual reality to manage workplace stress: Affective Control Theory (ACT)

This chapter explores how immersion in virtual reality (VR) evokes emotional states similar to those of the real world, and how deliberate immersion in high-stress situations can help teach individuals affective strategies to remain in control of their emotions. Psychological skills training programs teach techniques and strategies to assess, monitor, and adjust thoughts and feelings to cope with stress. VR allows an individual to put these skills to the test through the opportunity to practice coping with their emotional states while immersed in difficult scenarios. Keeping a clear head, ignoring fear when fear isn't useful, learning how to draw on an optimal blend of emotion and reason in times of crisis are all crucial skills for work and life. Affective Control Theory (ACT) proposes that affective strategies that typically strengthen and support performance are skills and that these skills are integral to stress management. Due to its key role in performance, recent research in psychology confirms affect as a crucial variable to consider in interventions in workplace stress.

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