Cognitive Functions and Humor in Anxiety Disorders: A Virtual Reality Approach
S. Mammarella, L. Giusti, D. De Luca, A. Salza, R. RonconeIntroduction
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