Virtual peer-delivered memory intervention: a single-case experimental design in an adolescent with chronic memory impairment

ABSTRACT

Background: Children and adolescents with chronic memory impairment may develop coping strategies that enable functioning, yet these often remain undetectable using traditional psychometric measures. Personalized intervention studies that promote the use of such strategies designed specifically for use by this young cohort are scarce.

Objective: To investigate the effect of a novel virtual reality peer-delivered memory intervention on the everyday functioning and well-being of SE, a 17-year-old female with a history of chronic verbal memory issues, impaired autobiographical event recall and elevated mood symptoms.

Research design: A single-case ABA experimental design study was used to assess change.

Methods: Following initial baseline assessment using objective neuropsychological and subjective functional questionnaires and intervention training, case SE used the intervention daily for 3 weeks before repeating key outcome measures.

Results: Using non-overlap of all pairs and qualitative feedback analysis, the results revealed a significant increase in event recall and self-reported positive changes to levels of everyday functioning.

Conclusion: Supporting autobiographical event recall and prospective memory via a virtual peer-delivered intervention may lead to reduction in cognitive load, and benefit overall well-being and everyday functioning.

KEYWORDS:

• Virtual reality peer
• prospective memory
• subjective well-being
• everyday functioning

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge Professor Vicki Anderson for her support of this project in Child Neuropsychology at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the company Curve Tomorrow for their contribution to the software used in the intervention. Also thanks to Cassy Warner and Joel Goulter for their assistance in formatting the article.

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by the Brain Foundation, The Angior Family Foundation Award and the Bennelong Foundation Award. The authors report no conflicts of interest.