Comprehension and Hemispheric Processing of Irony in Schizophrenia

Studies focusing on the comprehension of figurative language among schizophrenia
patients (SZ) reveal their difficulties comprehending such language and their tendency
to interpret it literally. The present study investigated hemispheric processing and
comprehension of irony in 16 SZ patients and 18 typically developing (TD) adults. Two
experimental tasks were used: an online divided visual field experiment and an offline
irony questionnaire. The results show an atypical reversal of hemispheric processing
of irony in SZ patients as compared to TD adults. While the TD group demonstrated
a right hemisphere advantage in processing irony, SZ patients demonstrated a left
hemisphere advantage. Greater comprehension of irony was associated with decreased
negative symptoms. In addition, under conditions that not involving a time restriction,
the SZ patients’ performance improved. Our findings reinforce those of previous studies
suggesting that brain lateralization is atypical in SZ patients.