2026/05/20 by Sohail Dahdal, Jessica Davis, Julia Carlow · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Environmental Science · #Indigenous and Place-Based Education #Environmental Education and Sustainability #Posthumanist Ethics and Activism
paper · doi:10.1080/13504622.2026.2673548
openalex publication_date 2026/05/20 · openalex created_date 2026/05/21 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15
Despite high levels of climate awareness among youth, a persistent ‘knowledge-action gap’ hinders meaningful behavioral change. This study investigates the potential of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) to bridge this gap by facilitating transformative learning through ‘affective ruptures’ and interactive agency. Using Magical Forest VR as a case study, we examine how a narrative-driven experience—centering on a pivotal identity shift where the user discovers they are the source of environmental degradation—impacts cognitive understanding, socio-emotional engagement, and pro-environmental intentions. A mixed-methods study was conducted with 187 undergraduate students, utilizing post-experience surveys to capture quantitative shifts and qualitative insights. Quantitative results revealed a statistically significant increase in participants’ sense of moral obligation and personal accountability for climate action. Qualitative data identified the ‘goblin reveal’ reflection as the primary catalyst for this shift, triggering a moment of self-confrontation that transformed abstract environmental data into a tangible, felt reality. Furthermore, the study identifies a strong correlation between ‘narrative presence’ and the willingness to adopt restorative behaviors, suggesting that the ability to perform pro-environmental acts within a virtual space serves as a psychological blueprint for real-world stewardship. We conclude that immersive VR is most effective as a transformative educational tool when it moves beyond informational simulation to challenge the user’s identity and role within the global ecosystem. This research offers a framework for designers and educators to leverage immersive storytelling to inspire deep-seated ethical reflection and sustained climate engagement.