Acquired Brain Injury (Including Stroke) Clinical Trial
Official title:
Controlled Study of Affect Recognition Training for Individuals With Acquired Brain Injury
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of three training programs designed to teach persons with acquired brain injury (ABI) to recognize emotions. It is hypothesized that the training programs will enhance several aspects of emotion recognition in persons with ABI. Furthermore, it is expected that these effects will be maintained over time, and will positively influence participants' social behavior and integration.
Research has demonstrated that persons with acquired brain injury (ABI) often have
difficulty recognizing emotions. This includes emotions portrayed in facial expressions, as
well as inferring emotions based on social context. The ability to identify emotions in
others is an essential component for the engagement of successful social interactions. It
has been suggested that a decreased ability to recognize emotions may result in
inappropriate behaviors and have a detrimental impact on social relationships. Despite the
significance of this problem, very few studies have addressed this need in the ABI
population.
Comparisons: Three groups receiving computer-based training programs. Two of the groups are
trained to learn how to identify emotions of happy, sad, angry and fearful. The third
training experience presents participants with a variety of learning tasks from managing
money to grocery shopping.
1. Facial Affect Recognition (FAR) group: This group is shown faces on the computer and
asked to identify the emotion being expressed. Subjects are also asked to describe
situations that they associate with the emotions being trained, as well as mimic facial
expressions in a mirror.
2. Stories of Emotional Inference (SEI) group: This group is asked to read stories on the
computer that describe the interaction of events with characters' beliefs, wants and
behaviors. From this information, subjects are asked to infer the emotions of the
characters throughout the stories.
3. Cognitive Training Group (CTG): This group is given educational experiences in a
variety of life skill areas including banking and applying for a job. This training is
aimed at resolving some of the frustrations experienced by persons with ABI. Subjects
may learn various computer skills including, Word, Excel, Internet Search or Games.
Before and after training, emotion recognition will be measured with pictures of faces;
vocal recordings; stories that give the contextual cues to emotion; and hypothetical
situations. In addition, participants' cognitive skills, social behavior and integration
will also be assessed.
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Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment