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The role of error-handling strategies and presence in a VR suicide negotiation

Harms, R.L.M. (2025) The role of error-handling strategies and presence in a VR suicide negotiation.

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Abstract:High-stakes scenarios, such as suicide negotiations, require extensive training for negotiators, yet making mistakes is inevitable. Virtual Reality (VR) offers a promising training method, but the effectiveness of different error-handling strategies in this context remains unclear. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of error management and error prevention strategies, the influence of making an error, and the effect of spatial and social presence on participants in a VR suicide negotiation. Using a qualitative approach, 30 participants were randomly assigned to either the error management strategy group or the error prevention strategy group. After receiving online training on suicide negotiations, the Behavioural Influence Stairway Model and the error-handling strategies, participants participated in a VR suicide negotiation with a fixed error to assess their responses. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed that adhering to an error management strategy improves emotional resilience compared to the error prevention strategy, whereas the error prevention strategy emphasized the perceived responsibility of participants. After making an error, participants primarily used a refocus strategy, aiming to re-establish rapport with the Person in Crisis (PiC). Social presence was prioritized in fostering rapport. Task performance remained unaffected despite certain environmental limitations
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105324
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