Improving social problem solving in individuals with traumatic brain injury : evaluation of an autobiographical memory cueing procedure

Holmes, Marie-Louise (2007) Improving social problem solving in individuals with traumatic brain injury : evaluation of an autobiographical memory cueing procedure. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Individuals who have sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) involving frontal lobe damage, frequently suffer from 'executive functioning' problems which can adversely affect their ability to effectively manage situations involving social interaction with others (Damasio, et al., 1991). Previous research has supported the notion that recollection of relevant specific autobiographical memories (those with a date and time) may assist in the process of solving novel problems. The present study explored whether an autobiographical memory cueing procedure could be implemented to increase the effectiveness of solutions generated for social problem situations. Twenty three participants who had suffered a closed Traumatic Brain Injury were randomly allocated to either the control group, or to the intervention group in which they received teaching on how to use autobiographical memories to support the generation of solutions to a set of eight social problems. The results suggest that the intervention was partially effective in improving the solutions generated, as the number of steps in the plans increased post intervention, but the ratings of how effective the solutions were did not. Anecdotal observations of participants responses suggest that this type of intervention may increase emotion focussed rumination which interferes with effective solution generation, therefore possible adaptations to the intervention are suggested.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Evans, Professor Jonathan and Dritschel, Dr. Barbara
• Date of Award: 2007
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2007-84749
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2024 14:36
• Last Modified: 30 Oct 2024 14:36
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.84749
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/84749