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Bogie BJ, Noël C, Gu F, Nadeau S, Shvetz C, Khan H, Rivard MC, Bouchard S, Lepage M, Guimond S. Using virtual reality to improve verbal episodic memory in schizophrenia: A proof-of-concept trial. Schizophr Res Cogn 2024; 36:100305. [PMID: 38486790 PMCID: PMC10937232 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2024.100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia is associated with impairments in verbal episodic memory. Strategy for Semantic Association Memory (SESAME) training represents a promising cognitive remediation program to improve verbal episodic memory. Virtual reality (VR) may be a novel tool to increase the ecological validity and transfer of learned skills of traditional cognitive remediation programs. The present proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a VR-based cognitive remediation module inspired by SESAME principles to improve the use of verbal episodic memory strategies in schizophrenia. Methods Thirty individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder completed this study. Participants were randomized to either a VR-based verbal episodic memory training condition inspired by SESAME principles (intervention group) or an active control condition (control group). In the training condition, a coach taught semantic encoding strategies (active rehearsal and semantic clustering) to help participants remember restaurant orders in VR. In the active control condition, participants completed visuospatial puzzles in VR. Attrition rate, participant experience ratings, and cybersickness questionnaires were used to assess feasibility and acceptability. Trial 1 of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess preliminary efficacy. Results Feasibility was demonstrated by a low attrition rate (5.88 %), and acceptability was demonstrated by limited cybersickness and high levels of enjoyment. Although the increase in the number of semantic clusters used following the module did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance in the intervention group, it demonstrated a notable trend with a medium effect size (t = 1.48, p = 0.15, d = 0.54), in contrast to the control group where it remained stable (t = 0.36, p = 0.72, d = 0.13). These findings were similar for the semantic clustering ratio in the intervention (t = 1.61, p = 0.12, d = 0.59) and control (t = 0.36, p = 0.72, d = 0.13) groups. There was no significant change in the number of recalled words in either group following VR immersion. Discussion This VR intervention was feasible, acceptable, and may be useful for improving the use of semantic encoding strategies. These findings support the use of more ecological approaches for the treatment of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, such as VR-based cognitive remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce J.M. Bogie
- MD/PhD Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noël
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Feng Gu
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sébastien Nadeau
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Cecelia Shvetz
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hassan Khan
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Christine Rivard
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bouchard
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche, Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Lepage
- Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Synthia Guimond
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Corno G, Paquette A, Burychka D, Miragall M, Rivard MC, Baños RM, Bouchard S. Development of a visual-perceptual method to assess body image: A cross-cultural validation in Canadian and Spanish women. Eur Eat Disord Rev 2024. [PMID: 38512753 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were (a) to explore the preliminary cross-cultural validity of a visual-perceptual method to assess body image; (b) to examine potential differences and similarities in body image phenomena between women from two Western countries (i.e., Canada and Spain). 201 self-identified women participated in this cross-sectional study. Ideal, normal, and self-perceived body sizes were assessed using a visual-perceptual method, whereas body dissatisfaction was measured using both a visual-perceptual method and a questionnaire. Visual-perceptual body dissatisfaction was significantly correlated with questionnaire body dissatisfaction, suggesting a preliminary convergent validity between the two assessment methods. Women in both countries were dissatisfied with their bodies. Compared to their self-perceived body, all women chose a significantly thinner visual representation of their "normal" and ideal body. These results may suggest a shift towards the "thin" body as not only ideal, but also normative. This study provides the first evidence for the cross-cultural validity of a visual-perceptual body image assessment tool. The results of the current study confirm the presence of "normative discontent", and suggest more cross-country similarities than differences among women from these two Western societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Corno
- Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Amélia Paquette
- Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Diana Burychka
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Miragall
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marie-Christine Rivard
- Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Rosa M Baños
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stéphane Bouchard
- Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
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Jeanningros A, Baillot A, Corno G, Rivard MC, Aimé A, Bouchard S. Validation of a Virtual Environment to Induce State Social Physique Anxiety in Women with Obesity and Social Physique Anxiety. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6065. [PMID: 37763006 PMCID: PMC10531808 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12186065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
State Social Physique Anxiety (SPA), in contrast to Trait SPA, is triggered by specific situations that elicit SPA. To date, no research has used virtual reality (VR) to recreate a situation that may elicit State SPA. The purpose of this study is to validate a virtual environment (VE) that simulates an anxiogenic situation to induce State SPA in women with obesity and high SPA. The high SPA group consisted of 25 self-identified women living with obesity and high Trait SPA. The low SPA group consisted of 20 self-identified women with low SPA. All participants were immersed in a virtual swimming pool environment for 10 min using a virtual reality headset. After the immersion, State SPA and fear of being negatively judged felt during immersion were measured with self-report questionnaires. A questionnaire assessing unwanted negative side effects was administered before and after the immersion. Using an ANCOVA with Trait SPA as covariate, State SPA was found to be significantly higher in the high SPA group. Fear of being judged negatively was also significantly higher in the high SPA group. Unwanted negative side effects scores did not increase post-immersion in either group. This study documents the validity of a novel VE for inducing State SPA in women with obesity and high SPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Jeanningros
- Psychoeducation and Psychology Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada
| | - Aurélie Baillot
- Interdisciplinary Health School, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), 283 Boul. Alexandre-Taché, Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada
- Psychosocial Medicine Research Center, Centre Intégré de Santé et Services Sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), Gatineau, QC J8T 4J3, Canada
- Institut du Savoir de Montfort-Research Hospital, Ottawa, ON K1K 0T2, Canada
| | - Giulia Corno
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal IUSMM, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Marie-Christine Rivard
- Cyberpsychology Laboratory, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada
| | - Annie Aimé
- Psychoeducation and Psychology Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bouchard
- Psychoeducation and Psychology Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), Gatineau, QC J8X 3X7, Canada
- Psychosocial Medicine Research Center, Centre Intégré de Santé et Services Sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), Gatineau, QC J8T 4J3, Canada
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Corno G, Bouchard S, Baños RM, Rivard MC, Verdon C, de Montigny F. Providing Psychological and Emotional Support After Perinatal Loss: Protocol for a Virtual Reality-Based Intervention. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1262. [PMID: 32587557 PMCID: PMC7298072 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of an infant during the perinatal period has been recognized as a complex and potentially traumatic life event and can have a significant impact on women’s mental health. However, often times, psychological aftercare is typically not offered, and manualized interventions are rarely used in clinical care practice and have seldom been evaluated. In recent years, a growing number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) interventions to facilitate the expression and coping with emotions linked to a traumatic event. The objective of the proposed paper is to present the protocol of a randomized control trial aimed to assess a novel VR-based intervention for mothers who experienced a perinatal loss. We hypothesize that the VR-based intervention group will show significantly reduced symptoms related to grief, postnatal depression and general psychopathology after treatment relative to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. Participants would be randomly assigned to the TAU + VR or to the VR + TAU condition. The TAU condition as well as the VR-based intervention will last 3 weeks, after which women will complete a post-assessment. The proposed VR-based intervention will consist in three weekly sessions focused, respectively on: (1) collect information about the loss and psychoeducation about perinatal grief, and introduction to the virtual environment; (2) through the use of the virtual environment, women will be assisted in the elaboration and acceptation of loss; (3) recreate, using the specific features of the virtual environment a positive metaphor representing woman’s future life. VR has proved to be a valid intervention tool in clinical psychology, and in the last years VR technologies have become more affordable to be used in clinical practice. With the present study we propose to answer to the unquestionable need for interventions addressed to ameliorate the emotional effects in women who experienced perinatal loss, by exploiting also the therapeutic opportunities offered by a new technology as VR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Corno
- Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada.,Centre de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bouchard
- Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada.,Centre de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Rosa M Baños
- Departamento Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marie-Christine Rivard
- Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Chantal Verdon
- Département des Sciences Infirmières, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Francine de Montigny
- Centre de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Infirmières, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
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