title: Virtual representations of the self: engaging teenagers in emotional regulation strategies learning.
abstract: The aim of this paper is to present digital representations of humans (i.e., avatars) that look like the self, applied to the Mental Health (MH) field. Virtual Representations of the Self (VRS) are in our opinion a tool with a great potential for engaging teenagers in emotional regulation strategies learning and an excellent example of new technology application to the basic concept in psychology field such as Bandura's modeling [1]. VRSs have already demonstrated their potential on human behavior modification (e.g. modification of physical activity; eating habits) in general population [2]. Thus, the same technology can bring in our opinion a lot to the Mental Health field, especially in emotional regulation learning. This paper presents a theoretical background and describes the methodology that we plan to apply in order to validate the efficacy of VRSs in clinical settings. Also, the implications of such technology and future research lines are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, España. mwrzesien@labhuman.i3bh.es
authors.forename: Maja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wrzesien
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rey
authors.forename: Mariano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alcañiz
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baños
authors.forename: Mario Gómez
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pérez-López
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodríguez Ortega
authors.forename: Paloma
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rasal
authors.forename: Elena Parra
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Vargas
authors.forename: Jaime Guixeres
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Provinciale
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D004644:Emotions; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012649:Self Concept; D014584:User-Computer Interface