We invite submissions for the special issue “Immersive Technologies and Intergroup Relations: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions” in Computers in Human Behavior (CHB), guest edited by Matilde Tassinari (University of Helsinki, Finland), Marco Marinucci (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy), and Béatrice S. Hasler (University of Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein).

Dear all,

We are pleased to invite empirical contributions to the special issue of Computers in Human Behavior titled “Immersive Technologies and Intergroup Relations: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions.” The special issue will feature studies using immersive technologies such as VR, AR, and 360° video to enhance intergroup relations and to build more robust and theoretically grounded models of human behavior in technologically mediated environments.

Please note that only empirical papers will be considered for this issue.

The submission window is 1 January-28 February 2026.We particularly welcome submissions that address the following broad areas:

1. Psychological Mechanisms of Immersive Intergroup Experiences
- Perspective-taking and virtual embodiment in immersive intergroup scenarios
- Role of presence, immersion, and embodiment in fostering empathy or reducing prejudice
- Affective and cognitive empathy in immersive simulations
- Intergroup processes based on social identity, categorization, exclusion, and intergroup emotions

2. Methodological and Technological Considerations
- Comparative studies of immersive vs. non-immersive interventions
- Innovations in psychological measurement (e.g., physiology, eye-tracking, behavioral data)
- Longitudinal studies assessing persistence and attitude generalization

3. Boundary Conditions
- When and for whom immersive interventions work or backfire
- Negative effects of immersive exposure (e.g., threat amplification, stereotype reinforcement)

4. Inclusive Perspectives and Diverse Populations
- Studies focusing on the experiences of marginalized or minority groups in immersive environments
- Sample representativeness and generalizability beyond university student populations
- Cross-cultural and global perspectives on immersive intergroup technologies

5. Applied Interventions and Social Impact
- Implementation of immersive interventions in schools, workplace diversity programs, public policy, or conflict settings
- Evaluating the efficacy of immersive tools for intergroup education or reconciliation
- Synergies between immersive media, AI, and robotics for social training and simulations

For full details and submission guidelines, please see the call:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/327556/immersive-technologies-and-intergroup-relations-advances-challenges-and-future-directions

Best regards,

Guest Editors

Matilde Tassinari (University of Helsinki, Finland)
Marco Marinucci (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy)
Béatrice S. Hasler (University of Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein)