  This study aims to better understand the emotional and physiological
correlates of being caressed in VR depending on the type of multisensory
feedback provided and the animate or inanimate nature of the virtual
representation that touches an embodied virtual body. We evaluated how
pleasure, arousal, embodiment, and the illusion of being touched in VR were
influenced by the inclusion of only visual feedback compared to visuotactile
stimulation conditions, where participants, in addition to seeing an avatar or
feather caressing their virtual bodies, also perceived congruent mid-air
ultrasonic tactile stimulation or real interpersonal touch. We found that
visuotactile feedback, either based on ultrasound or real interpersonal touch,
boosts the illusion of being affectively touched and embodied in a virtual body
compared to conditions only based on visual feedback. However, real
interpersonal touch led to the strongest behavioral and emotional responses
compared to the other conditions. Moreover, arousal and the desire to withdraw
the caressed hand was highest when being touched by a female avatar compared to
a virtual feather. Female participants reported a stronger illusion of being
caressed in VR compared to males. Overall, this study advances knowledge of the
emotional and physiological impact of affective touch in VR.
