Comfort with uncertainty and social situations
Research with adolescents linked participation in improv classes to reductions in social anxiety and difficulty tolerating uncertainty.
Read the study ↗What the research says
Research suggests that improvisation may support:
- Tolerance of uncertainty
- Divergent and creative thinking
- Confidence interacting with others
- A positive sense of self
- Social connection and engagement
Published studies
Creative thinking
A study of teenagers found improvements in originality and flexible thinking following an improv program.
Read the study ↗Interpersonal confidence
A study of student teachers found increased confidence in social interaction among participants who began with lower confidence.
Read the study ↗Doctoral work at USC
Dr. Anthony Owliaie’s doctoral capstone at the University of Southern California combined research, community-based piloting, and participant feedback to help lay the foundation for IMM.
During prototype workshops, youth and adult participants reported feeling less nervous, more confident, and more comfortable speaking and engaging with others. Their feedback helped refine the activities, workshop structure, and ways of adapting the experience to different ages and groups.
Participant feedback also highlighted the value of play and reflection in helping people discover something meaningful about themselves.
Source: Owliaie, M. A. (2025). The Humor Bridge: Youth Development Improv Program. Doctor of Social Work capstone, University of Southern California.
IMM is committed to following emerging research and learning from participant feedback as its framework and curriculum continue to develop.