Validation of Self-Presence in Virtual Reality Questionnaire

Self-presence in virtual reality is the degree to which a user identifies with their avatar, which increases the sense of reality and immersion. This study aims to validate the Self-Presence Questionnaire (SPQ), developed by Ratan and Hasler (2009). The original 23 items of the SPQ scale were translated and back-translated by a counseling expert fluent in both Korean and English and cross-reviewed. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data from 575 college students to determine the number of sub-factors, and the construct validity of the model was verified using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling. As a result, the Korean version of the SPQ compromized three factors: 'Physical', 'Emotional', and 'Identity' self-presence, with a total of 23 items. Criterion, discriminant, and cross-validity of the completed scale were verified with high level of reliability. Finally, the significance of the research results, limitations, and suggestions for future studies were discussed.