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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #396800
Research Project: Preventing the Development of Childhood Obesity

Location: Children's Nutrition Research Center

Title: Teen reactions to a self-representational avatar: A qualitative exploration

Author
item BAYSDEN, EMILY - Texas Tech University Health Science Center
item MENDOZA, NINNA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item CALLENDER, CHISHINGA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item DENG, ZHIGANG - University Of Houston
item Thompson, Deborah - Debbe

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/21/2022
Publication Date: 9/8/2022
Citation: Baysden, E., Mendoza, N., Callender, C., Deng, Z., Thompson, D.J. 2022. Teen reactions to a self-representational avatar: A qualitative exploration [abstract]. Texas Pediatric Society Annual Meeting. September 8-11, 2022; Galveston, TX. Poster Presentation.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this research was to explore the players' reactions to navigating the exergame with a self-representational avatar and their perceptions regarding the avatar's effect on gameplay. 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 the secondary data analysis. Codes were reviewed to identify themes representing adolescents' reactions. Four key themes emerged from adolescent's reactions to an exergame with a self-representational avatar: avatar connection, protection, gameplay, and enjoyment. 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.