APS

2026 APS Annual Convention

The Science of Improv

Friday, May 29, 2026 · Barcelona, Spain

Oral · Emotion & Motivation: What Drives the Self

This symposium investigates the psychological mechanisms of theatrical improvisation. We present a systematic literature review on its cognitive and emotional effects. Two empirical studies follow: one assessing stress and uncertainty tolerance in speech therapy students, and another evaluating applied improvisation training for enhancing communication skills in health sciences students.

Chairs & Discussants

  • Mathieu HainselinChair
    Universite de Picardie Jules Verne

Presentations

  1. What Do We Know about Theatrical Improvisation?Mathieu Hainselin
  2. Applied Improv to Train Medical DoctorsJudit Fekete
  3. Decrease Stress for Speech Therapists with ImprovMarine Jouin