Exploring Affordances and Limitations of 3D Virtual Worlds in Psychoeducational Group Counseling

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential affordances and challenges of 3D virtual environments in psychoeducational group counseling. The research design was based on multiple case study methodology. Face-to-face and 3D virtual psychoeducational counseling groups were formed that focused on procrastination, and multiple forms of data were collected from both groups' participants. The study's results revealed that perceived affordances of the 3D environment for group counseling were similar in both groups, with self-disclosure, anonymity, convenience, interactive environment, and accessible content as the emerged affordances. However, the study also revealed mixed results in terms of perceived challenges. While interaction issues, multitasking, lack of social interaction, and trust concerns emerged as common to both groups, factors such as technical issues and negative attitudes towards virtual intervention were revealed as divergent themes. Intervention outcome results revealed similar patterns in terms of procrastination behavior change in both groups.