depthaffect
Depthaffect is a term used in perceptual psychology and media studies to describe how perceived depth in a visual scene modulates the viewer's affective response. It refers to the degree to which depth cues—such as stereoscopic disparity, motion parallax, shading, occlusion, and relative size—enhance or dampen emotional valence, arousal, and interest. Depthaffect emphasizes the role of depth processing in affective appraisal, beyond surface properties like color or composition alone.
Operationalizing depthaffect typically involves manipulating depth cues while controlling other visual attributes, then assessing changes in
Applications span entertainment, advertising, and design. In films and games, enhancing depth cues can increase immersion
Limitations and considerations include individual differences in depth perception, such as stereopsis ability or depth blindness,
See also: depth perception, presence, immersion, realism, virtual reality, stereopsis.