This study examined the effects of psychodrama and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based virtual reality (VR)-supported psychoeducation on facial emotion recognition skills in earthquake survivors using an artificial intelligence-based Facial Emotion Recognition System. It was conducted using a pre-test-post-test randomized quasi-experimental design. The sample consisted of 32 adult earthquake survivors affected by the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes who were residing at the Temporary Accommodation Center. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a psychodrama group (n=16) and a VR-supported psychoeducation group (n=16).
The first experimental group received 13 psychodrama sessions, held once a week, while the second group received CBT-based psychoeducation consisting of 10 sessions held once a week, with VR content incorporated at the end of each session. A Personal Information Form, a Semi-Structured Interview Form, and the Facial Emotion Recognition System were used as data collection tools.
Findings based on the Facial Emotion Recognition System revealed that VR-supported psychoeducation produced more pronounced changes in immediate emotional responses, increasing levels of happiness and neutral affect while reducing expressions of fear, sadness, and anger.
In conclusion, the results from the Facial Emotion Recognition System indicate that VR-supported psychoeducation had significant positive effects on participants' immediate emotional responses, reducing negative emotions while increasing happiness and neutral affect. In contrast, the psychodrama intervention did not produce a significant change in the measured immediate emotional responses. These findings can contribute to the planning and development of post-disaster mental health services.