# Building long-term empathy: A large-scale comparison of traditional and virtual reality... ## Overview **Authors:** F. Herrera, J.N. Bailenson, E. Weisz, E. Ogle, J. Zaki **Publication Date:** 2018 **Link:** [https://vhil.stanford.edu/publications/empathydiversity/building-long-term-empathy-large-scale-comparison-traditional-and]() **Keywords:** empathy, VR, DEI, perspective-taking, social cognition, empathy interventions, immersive technology, HCI **Type:** Peer-Reviewed Journals/White Papers ## Summary Two studies tested VR’s effectiveness in fostering empathy compared to traditional methods. Study 1 found that while both approaches increased empathy for the homeless, VR led to longer-lasting positive attitudes and higher petition-signing rates. Study 2 showed that all perspective-taking methods increased empathy more than factual information, but VR participants were significantly more likely to take action. Findings suggest VR enhances long-term attitude change and real-world engagement. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://library.xrguild.org/physiological-and-psychological-effects-of-xr/building-long-term-empathy-a-large-scale-comparison-of-traditional-and-virtual-reality....md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.