Translation and validation of the romanian version of the ITC-Sense of Presence Inventory (ITC-SOPI) for assessing presence in virtual reality

Abstract

Presence is a multidimensional construct for VR psychological interventions, but no standardized Romanian measure existed. This study translated and culturally adapted the ITC–Sense of Presence Inventory (ITC-SOPI) and tested its psychometric properties on a sample of 241 Romanian-speaking participants, after a VR experience. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the intended structure with four factors. ML estimation indicated a modest fit (CFI = .762, TLI = .749, RMSEA = .070, SRMR = .080), while an ordinal sensitivity analysis WLSMV showed an improved fit (CFI = .906, TLI = .900, RMSEA = .058, SRMR = .097). Subscales showed acceptable-to-excellent internal consistency (α=.765–.893). Presence-related subscales correlated positively with IPQ dimensions (r=.33–.64). Negative Effects subscale correlated strongly with simulator sickness (SSQ; r=.48–.71) and was the main predictor of total SSQ (β=.711). Overall, the Romanian ITC-SOPI appears reliable and valid for VR research.