Communicating Environmental Risks in Virtual Reality: The effects of Spatial and Concentration Cues on Responses to Particulate Matter

This study investigates how spatial proximity and particulate matter (PM) concentration in virtual reality (VR) influence individuals’ preventive and mitigation intentions toward fine dust exposure. In a 2×2 between-subjects experiment (N = 82), spatial proximity increased behavioral intention, while PM concentration had no significant effect. Psychological distance mediated the effect of spatial proximity, but not PM concentration. Furthermore, the analysis revealed significant moderated mediation effects, indicating that the mediating role of psychological distance between spatial proximity and mitigation behavioral intention was evident only among individuals with lower levels of self-efficacy and response efficacy. These findings suggest that VR-based risk messages should emphasize spatial cues that reduce psychological distance, as such cues can enhance users’ behavioral intentions by making threats feel more immediate and personally relevant. Notably, the indirect effect of spatial proximity on mitigation behavioral intention via psychological distance emerged only among individuals with lower levels of self-efficacy and response efficacy, highlighting the importance of tailoring risk communication strategies to individuals with diminished efficacy beliefs.