Panel Discussion/Workshop 1C: An Immersive Exploration of Personal Identity Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Metacognitive Capacities (Theme: Self concepts)

Metacognition-the ability to reflect on and regulate one's own mental states and understand those of others-is a cornerstone of psychological well-being, effective learning, and personal growth. In today's complex world, fostering metacognitive capacities can empower individuals to navigate identity conflicts, enhance self-understanding, and flourish in diverse contexts. This workshop introduces a cutting-edge intervention that integrates the digital platform "EYME-Explore Your Meanings" with virtual reality (VR) to strengthen metacognitive abilities through immersive exploration of personal identity. Rooted in the repertory grid technique, EYME enables participants to articulate personal constructs about themselves and significant others, which are then explored in a dynamic VR environment guided by reflective questioning. This approach facilitates deeper self-awareness and the resolution of internal dilemmas.
Designed for researchers, educators, and practitioners in self and identity studies, this workshop offers hands-on training in using EYME and VR to enhance metacognitive capacities. Participants will learn to elicit personal constructs, and apply reflective questioning to foster self-reflection and problem-solving. A live demonstration with a volunteer will showcase the intervention's process: participants will observe how EYME digitizes construct elicitation and how VR creates an immersive space for exploring personal meaning networks. The VR component, supported by reflective dialogue, helps individuals visualize and reframe identity-related dilemmas, making abstract concepts tangible and engaging.
The intervention's efficacy is supported by a quasi-experimental study with 18 young adults (aged 18–29), which demonstrated significant pre-post improvements in psychological functioning (CORE-OM, effect sizes r=.57–.65, p< .01), self-esteem (RSES, r=.48, p=.03), and problem-solving skills (MSAS Scale D, r=.36, p=.03). Correlational analyses suggest that resolving dilemmatic constructs enhances metacognitive mastery, with reductions in psychological distress linked to improved self-understanding. While these findings provide credibility, the workshop prioritizes practical application over statistical outcomes, focusing on how the intervention can be adapted for educational, coaching, or personal development settings.
Learning Objectives:
Understand and apply the administration and analysis of the repertory grid technique to explore personal identity and constructs.Compare manual and digital methods for conducting repertory grid interviews, including the EYME platform.Apply insights from repertory grid analyses to enhance metacognitive capacities and foster well-being in educational and personal growth settings.Participants will experience the immersive power of VR glasses through a live demonstration, illustrating how this technology enhances self-reflection and personal growth. The workshop will explore strategies for scaling and adapting the intervention for non-clinical settings, such as education and personal development, ensuring broad accessibility. By integrating cutting-edge technology with reflective practice, this intervention provides a dynamic, scalable tool to cultivate self-knowledge and psychological resilience. No prior expertise is required, making the session inclusive for researchers, educators, and practitioners of all backgrounds. Join us to discover how immersive technologies can deepen self-understanding and foster flourishing in diverse contexts.