Using Illusions to Boost Social Cognition

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Visual-illusion social cognition session (immediate): A guided session of approximately 45 minutes. The core rehabilitation tool consists of multiple-perspective illusion boxes. Each participant stands on one side of the box and perceives a different shape than their partner. The session unfolds in 3 structured phases: 1. For each illusion : Participants observe objects silently and draw what they see. 2. Perspective confrontation + Card selection: Drawings and interpretation cards are exchanged and discussed. 3. Perspective switching : Participants swap positions to reveal the alternative visual interpretation. The session is followed by a short structured discussion with a psychologist focused on perspective-taking and interpretation of social cues.

Visual-illusion social cognition session (delayed): A guided session of approximately 45 minutes. The core rehabilitation tool consists of multiple-perspective illusion boxes. Each participant stands on one side of the box and perceives a different shape than their partner. The session unfolds in 3 structured phases: 1. For each illusion : Participants observe objects silently and draw what they see. 2. Perspective confrontation + Card selection: Drawings and interpretation cards are exchanged and discussed. 3. Perspective switching : Participants swap positions to reveal the alternative visual interpretation. The session is followed by a short structured discussion with a psychologist focused on perspective-taking and interpretation of social cues. Delivered after a delay following baseline assessment.

Study summary

This study aims to explore whether the observation of complex visual objects can help improve social cognition in people living with psychotic disorders. Social cognition refers to the ability to understand what others think, feel, or intend, and plays a key role in social relationships and daily interactions.

Main questions this study aims to answer:

* Does dyadic exposure to complex visual objects improve mental state attribution, as measured by the Faux Pas Test?
* Does the intervention enhance related domains of social cognition, including implicit intention inference (Hinting Task), interpretation of complex interactions (Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition, MASC), and reduction of hostile attribution biases (Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire, AIHQ)?
* Are improvements maintained after one month, and do patients who receive the intervention later (waitlist group) show the same benefits once exposed?

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• "Faux Pas" test total score — Change from pre to post intervention (up to 3 hours)
  1. Total of correctly recognised "Faux Pas" Score range : 0 - 30 Minimum (0) : no correct detection of faux pas Maximum (30) : all faux pas correctly detected 2. Total of identified absence of "Faux Pas" Score range : 0 - 10 Minimum (0) : incorrectly identifies absence of faux pas Maximum (10) : correctly identifies absence of faux pas 3. Total score of control question comprehension Score range : 0 - 20 Minimum (0) : poor comprehension Maximum (20) : Full comprehension

Trial sites (1)

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