Children’s Responses to Peer Conflict Scenarios: Feasibility and Initial Psychometric Properties of an Interactive Virtual Reality Assessment in a Clinical and Non-Clinical Sample

Exploring responses to everyday conflict scenarios is important for understanding the development of aggressive behavior in children and for clinical practice. Current research suggests that simulations within virtual reality (VR) improve traditional approaches. We expanded this research by developing a VR-based assessment (VR test) comprising three ambiguous and three hostile peer-related conflict scenarios. This pilot study examined the test’s feasibility and psychometric properties in 8–12-year-old boys, including a clinical sample with aggressive behavior problems ( n = 42) and a non-clinical sample ( n = 40). During the VR test, behavioral responses were observed and social information processing (SIP) explored. Additionally, we collected reports of peer-related aggression and disruptive behavior symptoms from parents, children, and teachers. Good feasibility of the test was demonstrated by various indicators (e.g., session duration, appeal, immersion). Internal consistencies of the aggressive behavioral response and SIP scales suggested mostly good reliability of the VR test scales. Intercorrelations between scale scores indicated partial overlaps ( r = .28–.84). Discriminant validity of the VR test scenarios was demonstrated by higher scale scores for hostile than for ambiguous scenarios and higher scores for ambiguous scenarios compared to a neutral scenario (all p < .001). Differences between the clinical and non-clinical sample revealed discriminant validity of VR test scales ( d = 0.57–1.76). With a few exceptions, correlations of the VR test scales with multi-informant ratings indicated convergent validity ( r = .02–.71). Overall, these findings suggest feasibility and provide initial evidence of adequate psychometric properties. Further research is needed to ensure psychometric robustness and utility. Study registration: https://www.drks.de/ (Number = DRKS00032850, registration date = 2024/01/30, retrospectively registered).