RESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate the viability of a new procedure based on machine learning (ML), virtual reality (VR), and implicit measures to discriminate empathy. Specifically, eye-tracking and decision-making patterns were used to classify individuals according to their level in each of the empathy dimensions, while they were immersed in virtual environments that represented social workplace situations. The virtual environments were designed using an evidence-centered design approach. Interaction and gaze patterns were recorded for 82 participants, who were classified as having high or low empathy on each of the following empathy dimensions: perspective-taking, emotional understanding, empathetic stress, and empathetic joy. The dimensions were assessed using the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test. An ML-based model that combined behavioral outputs and eye-gaze patterns was developed to predict the empathy dimension level of the participants (high or low). The analysis indicated that the different dimensions could be differentiated by eye-gaze patterns and behaviors during immersive VR. The eye-tracking measures contributed more significantly to this differentiation than did the behavioral metrics. In summary, this study illustrates the potential of a novel VR organizational environment coupled with ML to discriminate the empathy dimensions. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, as the small sample does not allow general conclusions to be drawn. Further studies with a larger sample are required to support the results obtained in this study.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Impulsivity is present in a range of mental disorders and has been associated with suicide. Traditional measures of impulsivity have certain limitations, such as the lack of ecological validity. Virtual reality (VR) may overcome these issues. This study aims to validate the VR assessment tool 'Spheres & Shield Maze Task' and speech analysis by comparing them with traditional measures. We hypothesise that these innovative tools will be reliable and acceptable by patients, potentially improving the simultaneous assessment of impulsivity and decision-making. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will be carried out at the University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz (Madrid, Spain). Our sample will consist of adults divided into three groups: psychiatric outpatients with a history of suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours, psychiatric outpatients without such a history and healthy volunteers. The target sample size was established at 300 participants (100 per group). Participants will complete the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11; the Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency, Impulsive Behaviour Scale; Iowa Gambling Task; Continuous Performance Test; Stop signal Task, and Go/no-go task, three questions of emotional affect, the Spheres & Shield Maze Task and two satisfaction surveys. During these tasks, participant speech will be recorded. Construct validity of the VR environment will be calculated. We will also explore the association between VR-assessed impulsivity and history of suicidal thoughts and/or behaviour, and the association between speech and impulsivity and decision-making. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz (PIC128-21_FJD). Participants will be required to provide written informed consent. The findings will be presented in a series of manuscripts that will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05109845; Pre-results.
