How Avatar Can Enhance Autobiographical Memory of Patients With Substance Use Disorder

The primary outcome measure is the difference in the number of specific autobiographical memories recalled between the avatar-based interaction condition and the face-to-face condition, as assessed by the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT). Specificity of recalled memories are scored using standardized criteria. This measure evaluates the effectiveness of avatar-based interventions in changing AM recall in patients with substance use disorder (SUD).

The secondary outcome measure is the comparison of latency times (time taken to recall a memory) between the avatar-based interaction condition and the face-to-face condition, as recorded during the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT). This measure evaluates whether the use of avatar-based interventions change the speed of autobiographical memory recall in patients with substance use disorder (SUD).

The secondary outcome measure is the comparison of pleasantness ratings of autobiographical memories recalled between the avatar-based interaction condition and the face-to-face condition. Pleasantness is assessed during the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT). This measure evaluates whether avatar-based interventions change the emotional valence of the memories retrieved by patients with substance use disorder (SUD).

The secondary outcome measure is the change in age memory recall, defined as the participants' ability to identify the age at which autobiographical memories occurred, comparing the avatar-based interaction condition to the face-to-face condition. Age memory is assessed during the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) for each recalled memory. This measure evaluates whether avatar-based interventions change temporal specificity in autobiographical memory recall among patients with substance use disorder (SUD).