Neuropsychological correlates of Social Isolation following ABI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neuropsychological correlates of Social Isolation following Acquired Brain Injury
IRAS ID
247858
Contact name
Alice Olivia Little
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
School of Psychology, Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Following acquired brain injury (ABI), cognitive difficulties (i.e. problems with thinking, memory, attention) are common. This can include impaired executive functioning (e.g. difficulties with planning and organising behaviour; Leon-Carrion et al., 1998), how fast the brain can process information (Dymowski et al., 2015) and one’s insight into one’s own difficulties (i.e. self-awareness; Bach & David, 2006). This impaired cognitive functioning has a significant impact upon social behaviour and interactions with others, including impulsivity, inability to inhibit inappropriate responses, poor social judgement and lack of empathy (Wood & Yurdakul, 1997). As a result, many individuals with an ABI find it difficult to establish and maintain social relationships. It is therefore not surprising that social isolation and loneliness are widely reported consequences following ABI and can persist for many years after the injury (Morton & Wehman, 1995).
Although these difficulties are common and have negative consequences for rehabilitation outcomes, integration into the community and quality of life, the cognitive impairments which are associated with social isolation following ABI remain unclear. The current study will take an exploratory approach to consider a range of cognitive functions (ability to switch attention, inhibit reposes and memory) and self-awareness (insight). It will be the first study to consider the association between cognitive functioning, self-awareness and social isolation following ABI. Further exploration into this issue could result in practical implications for the rehabilitation of social isolation and improving individuals’ quality of life following ABI.
Patients attending the North Wales Brain Injury Service with an ABI that occurred at least one-year previously would be eligible to participate. Participation would include completing cognitive tests (paper and pencil tests designed to measure cognitive ability) and questionnaires about social isolation that will take no more than 90 minutes to complete.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0242
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion