Extraction of Emotional Information via Visual Scanning Patterns: A Feasibility Study of Participants with Schizophrenia and Neurotypical Individuals

摘要: Emotion recognition impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia (SZ), present throughout all stages this condition, and leads to poor social outcome. However, the underlying mechanisms that give rise such deficits have not been elucidated hence, it has difficult develop precisely targeted interventions. Evidence supports use methods designed modify patterns visual attention in individuals with SZ order effect meaningful improvements cognition. To date, however, attention-shaping systems fully utilized available technology (e.g., eye tracking) achieve goal. The current work consisted design feasibility testing novel gaze-sensitive skills intervention system called MASI-VR. Adults from an outpatient clinic confirmed diagnosis (n = 10) comparison sample neurotypical participants were evaluated on measures emotion at baseline assessment, pilot test was following five training sessions over three weeks. Consistent literature, group demonstrated lower faces showing medium intensity fear, spent more time deliberating about presented emotions, had fewer fixations peers. Furthermore, showed significant improvement fearful post-training. Preliminary evidence paradigm for assessment SZ, thus warranting further evaluation intervention.