Browsing by Author "Tsai, Hsin-Yi Sandy"

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Are You What Your Avatar Eats? Health-Behavior Effects of Avatar-Manifested Self-Concept
(2017-01-01)
Sah, Young June
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Ratan, Rabindra
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Tsai, Hsin-Yi Sandy
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Peng, Wei
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Sarinopoulos, Issidoros
Drawing on the self-concept activation and goal-priming account of the priming effect, this study examined how self-concept-i.e., ideal self, ought self, and actual self-can be harnessed as a model for avatar customization in digital games to promote healthy-eating behavior. Female participants (N = 133) customized an avatar in a digital game to reflect either the ideal, ought, or actual self. Participants then selected food items for their avatar within the digital game as well as food items for themselves to eat afterward. Results suggest that for participants using an ought-self avatar, the extent to which they were conscious of their health was positively related to healthier food choice both within and after playing the game. No such effect emerged for participants who used an ideal-or actual-self avatar, indicating that participants formed the goal of being healthy only with regard to the ought self. This study demonstrates that avatar customization in a digital game can serve a regulatory function by representing individuals' duties and responsibilities, thus, causing them to adopt such attributes manifested in their avatar during and after the game.
Senior technology exploration, learning, and acceptance (STELA) model: from exploration to use - a longitudinal randomized controlled trial
(1970-01-01)
Tsai, Hsin-Yi Sandy
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Rikard, R. V.
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Cotten, Shelia R.
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Shillair, Ruth
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傳播與科技學系
The purpose of this study is to examine the process from technology exploration to acceptance for older adults. A senior technology exploration, learning, and acceptance (STELA) model is proposed to examine the technology exploration and learning process. Adopting a new technology can pose challenges with increasing age. In order to help older adults use new technologies so they can be included in many important resources and support that are routinely accessed online, it is essential to understand factors affecting their technology adoption, and what the learning and adoption processes are like. This study employs four waves of data from a randomized controlled trial computer training intervention with 195 older adults (65 and older) in 19 different assisted and independent living communities (AICs). The results show the moderating effect of technology training and support for the relationship of exploring a technology and perceived difficulties of learning. These results suggest that training programs that are specially designed for older adults and continued support are needed to help older adults explore technologies and facilitate their learning process.