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Cited by 174Vestibular and auditory disordersVirtual Reality Applications and ImpactsNausea and vomiting management

An Ecological Critique of the Sensory Conflict Theory of Motion Sickness

Stoffregen, Thomas A., Riccio, Gary E.·1991·Ecological Psychology
DOI 10.1207/s15326969eco0303_1
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Abstract

In this article we present a critique of the sensory conflict theory of motion sickness. We discuss three forms of sensory conflict that are believed to exist: input conflict, output conflict, and expectancy violation. We argue that any concept of sensory conflict necessarily entails the violation of internal expectations and, hence, that the three forms of conflict are logically identical. In the motion sickness literature, it is implicit that the expected pattern is one in which the inputs of the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems are redundant. We argue that an expectation of redundancy cannot plausibly result from interaction with the environment. We review data indicating that nonredundant patterns of intermodal stimulation lead to adaptive changes in the control of behavior; this implies that the calculation of nauseogenic conflict must be unrelated to the control of behavior. Moreover, we argue that no single pattern of sensory stimulation, redundant or otherwise, can serve as a reliable standard or expecta- tion for the calculation of sensory conflict. We conclude that there is no principled basis on which the conflict theory can distinguish between nauseogenic and nonnauseogenic situations. It follows that the concept of sensory conflict cannot provide a theoretical explanation for the existence of motion sickness. We review data suggesting an important role for the control of behavior in the etiology of motion sickness. This suggests a new basis for understanding the phenomena of motion sickness.

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  • Postural instability theory claims that changes in postural stability are the crucial factor underlying VIMS, and postural instability precedes and causes VIMS.

    “Another prominent theory highlights the potential role of postural stability (Riccio and Stoffregen, 1991; Stoffregen and Riccio, 1991), claiming that changes in postural stability are the crucial factor underlying VIMS. Following this approach, postural instability is not only a consequence of VIMS, but also precedes and causes it.”

    From Vection and visually induced motion sickness: how are they related? (2015) · cites this paper as Stoffregen and Riccio, 1991

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Authors
Stoffregen, T. A., & Riccio, G. E.
Affiliations
  • University of Cincinnati (US)
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (US)
ORCID
Venue
Ecological Psychology
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
1991-09
Volume
3
Issue
3
Pages
159-194
ISSN
  • 1040-7413 (ISSN-L)
  • 1532-6969
DOI
10.1207/s15326969eco0303_1
OpenAlex
W1975382142
Cited by
174
References
92
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 4
FWCI
9.84
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Ecological Psychology (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Vestibular and auditory disorders
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Nausea and vomiting management
Keywords
motion sickness, sensory conflict theory, somatosensory input, expectancy violation, nausea, behavioral control, sensory integration

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