Virtual reality used to help people with body image disorders
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University of Rhode Island College of Business professor Jessica Strübel-Bickerstaff says, “It’s showing their height, their shape, and accurate proportions. Body visualization goes beyond just weight and clothing size.”
As part of her study a person is scanned using 12 sensors, which ultimately creates an avatar of them that provides a detailed 3D representation of their body. The idea to start using the 3D body scanner, started while she was teaching at the University of North Texas. An incoming chair had developed his own scanner, where he would take the scans in his office and use his 3D printer to create small figurines.
all images: University of Rhode Island College
For Strübel-Bickerstaff, it was the first time she’d ever had a 3D body scan done and she had a positive experience. When she joined URI she was curious to see if others would have the same reaction, which led to her seeking funding to obtain the scanner for the college behavioral lab. Strübel-Bickerstaff is trying to determine how 3D simulations may help with the prevention and treatment of body image disorders.
“Our first phase was to look at body image and psychological wellbeing data and reactions to the 3D body scanning process, and then how people respond to seeing themselves in 3D,” said Strübel-Bickerstaff.
Virtual fitting rooms are not new. Many eyewear companies, such as Warby Parker, allow customers to virtually try on glasses. In Strübel-Bickerstaff’s case, the 3D scan offers a more comprehensive assessment and generates more biometrically accurate images of the body, which can be used to help estimate body shape and size.
The scan process takes about 10 seconds followed by a 20-minute survey. Strübel-Bickerstaff is gauging people’s experience using the 3D body scan and assess how they feel psychologically after seeing an accurate representation of themselves.
Ultimately, after doing the 3D body scan Strübel-Bickerstaff can see a 3D rendering and over 100 different measurements that she can give to the participant. Strübel-Bickerstaff can do this using a program that takes all the information from the 12 infrared sensors and combines it to create that avatar and all the measurements.
“It produces very accurate measurements of the body and can be especially helpful if someone is thinking of getting customised clothing or any customised body related products,” said Strübel-Bickerstaff, who holds a Ph.D. in consumer studies and social psychology.
As an expert in body image and body image disorders, Strübel-Bickerstaff notes that helping people find the right fit is just one of the benefits of virtual fitting rooms. Looking at the virtual avatar gives people a realistic representation of their body.
This can be beneficial for multiple reasons, including helping those with body image issues, helping people get measurements for properly tailored clothes, and helping people get perfectly sized prosthetics.
Strübel-Bickerstaff points out that when clothes don’t fit well many people tend to internalize it instead of recognizing that clothing brands base their sizing on an arbitrary number.
While some people experience anxiety when stepping on a scale or looking into a full-length mirror, the reaction from people who undergo 3D scanning has been the opposite. Most people expressed being pleasantly surprised after seeing themselves virtually.
“It’s kind of what surprised us because there have been some studies out there examining 3D and people viewing themselves in 3D, and people seeing themselves potentially causing anxiety,” says Strübel-Bickerstaff.
So far, Strübel-Bickerstaff’s findings are based primarily on participant feedback. Further testing in clinical settings is necessary to draw a more definitive conclusion, she says.
But it is her hope that understanding the psychological effects of 3D scanning could ultimately prove valuable in intervention measures for people experiencing body image disorders. By presenting a more accurate depiction of a person’s body, the scan may help alter how they see themselves.
Source: www.inavateonthenet.net