Exploring Social Interaction Components in VR Movement-Based Games for Group Career Counseling Contexts

Abstract

This study explored how social interaction components within virtual reality (VR) movement-based games contribute to group career counseling processes, focusing on communication, collaboration, emotional engagement, and vocational reflection. A qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 23 participants from Canada. Participants were selected purposively to include individuals with prior exposure to VR environments and familiarity with group-based counseling contexts. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews lasted between 45 and 75 minutes, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14. Coding followed an inductive process of open, axial, and selective coding, with constant comparison techniques applied across transcripts to ensure validity. Inter-coder reliability was established through independent coding of selected transcripts and consensus discussions. Four overarching themes emerged. First, communication dynamics highlighted verbal clarity, nonverbal avatar signals, and feedback mechanisms, while also noting barriers such as technical glitches. Second, collaboration and group processes emphasized team cohesion, trust building, role distribution, and joint problem-solving within VR tasks. Third, emotional and psychological experiences revealed that participants reported a strong sense of belonging, motivation, confidence development, and flow states, alongside challenges such as performance anxiety. Fourth, career counseling relevance demonstrated that VR facilitated career exploration, transferable skill development, vocational identity formation, and decision-making support, with participants noting applicability of these experiences beyond the virtual setting. The study demonstrates that VR movement-based games provide a powerful platform for enhancing social interaction and vocational reflection in group career counseling contexts. By fostering communication, collaboration, and emotional engagement, VR extends the reach of traditional counseling methods and prepares learners with transferable skills applicable to real-world career challenges. These findings underscore the potential of integrating immersive technologies into counseling programs to enrich educational and vocational outcomes.