EPV651 - Cognitive Functions and Humor in Anxiety Disorders: A Virtual Reality Approach
EPV651
Cognitive Functions and Humor in Anxiety Disorders: A Virtual Reality Approach
S. Mammarella 1,*, L. Giusti 1, D. De Luca 1, A. Salza 2, R. Roncone 1 2
1University of L'Aquila, 2University Unit Rehabilitation Treatment, Early Interventions in mental health, Hospital S. Salvatore,, L'Aquila, Italy
Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) represents an innovative opportunity for the assessment of cognitive functions, thanks to its ability to create immersive and standardized environments (Miskowiak et al., J Psychiatr Res. 2022; 95: 27–30), allowing evaluations to be conducted in safe and controlled settings.
Objectives: This exploratory study aims to investigate the relationships between sense of humor, loneliness, optimism and cognitive performance (attention, vigilance, working memory, switching, inhibition, and perseveration) as measured in a VR environment.
Methods: The sample consisted of 40 participants, including 11 patients from the U.O.S.D. Early Rehabilitation Interventions - TRIP, ASL 1 Abruzzo, diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and 21 university students (control group). An observational case-control study design was adopted. The following instruments were administered: the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale (MSHS, 24 items) to assess humor, the UCLA Loneliness Scale (10 items) to evaluate perceived loneliness, and the Jalowiec Coping Scale – Optimistic Coping subscale (9 items) to assess coping strategies. Additionally, Nesplora Aquarium (Giunti Psychometrics), a virtual reality-based test, was employed to evaluate executive functions.
Results: No statistically significant differences in humor were observed between the two groups, whereas differences in cognitive functions were detected. The sense of humor was positively correlated with better inhibitory control (r = .325; p = .024), indicating lower impulsivity and fewer related errors. Additionally, overall humor scale scores were positively associated with optimism (r = .338; p = .038). A negative attitude toward humor was correlated with reduced switching ability (r = –.323; p = .048), reflecting lower cognitive flexibility, while humor production was linked to decreased sustained attention.
Conclusions: Our data suggests that, in the assessment of cognitive abilities in young people with a biopsychosocial vulnerability, it is essential to consider how executive functions may influence the sense of humor, a key factor for well-being and quality of life, and therefore warrants further investigation.
Disclosure of Interest: None Declared