Learning aptitude, spatial orientation and cognitive flexibility tested in a virtual labyrinth after virtual stress...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Efficient information processing is crucial under stress.
• Virtual Reality (VR) offers a novel method for stress induction and cognitive assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize VR to induce stress and evaluate its impact on decision-making cognitive functions.
• To test learning aptitude, spatial orientation, and cognitive flexibility under induced stress.

Main Methods:

• A VR stress task adapted from the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was developed.
• Participants (N=31) underwent a public speaking task in VR and completed VR labyrinth tasks.
• Cognitive functions assessed included spatial orientation, learning aptitude, and cognitive flexibility.

Main Results:

• The VR TSST successfully induced stress, validated by subjective reports and increased heart rate.
• Higher perceived stress correlated with poorer performance in learning aptitude and spatial orientation.
• A mild stress response, perceived as 'unexpected', was associated with improved cognitive flexibility.

Conclusions:

• VR-based stress induction and cognitive testing demonstrate potential for enhanced ecological validity in neuropsychological assessments.
• The study highlights differential effects of stress intensity on cognitive functions.
• VR offers a promising platform for studying stress and cognition in more realistic settings.