ABSTRACT
Material-specific memory refers to the ability to learn and recall new episodic information on the basis of the nature of the stimulus material (e.g., verbal vs. nonverbal-visuospatial). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data from a sample of patients with traumatic brain injury to compare 3 models of memory functioning: material-specific, material-specific plus general, and general (non-material-specific). The models were examined separately for acquisition, delayed free recall, and retention aspects of memory. Results suggest that, at least in a population with traumatic brain injury, the acquisition of new information takes place in a material-specific memory fashion, delayed free recall involves both material-specific and general (non-material-specific) memory components, but retention relies primarily on general (non-material-specific) memory processes.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/complications , Learning , Memory Disorders/etiology , Mental Recall/physiology , Retention, Psychology/physiology , Adult , Female , Humans , Language , Male , Memory Disorders/diagnosis , Neuropsychological Tests , Nonverbal Communication , Space Perception/physiology , Visual Perception/physiologyABSTRACT
Changes in the level of agreement (concordance) between self and family or friend reporting on the Katz Adjustment Scale (KAS) from 6 to 12 months postinjury were assessed in 55 individuals with traumatic brain injury (IwTBI). Although the concordance between self and family/friend reports significantly increased over the course of recovery, possibly reflecting improvements in awareness, the concordance showed limited relationship to measures of injury severity and neuropsychological functioning. Concordance did not significantly relate to clinicians' ratings of inaccurate insight and self-appraisal on the awareness item from the Neurobehavioral Rating Scale (NBRS). Clinicians' ratings of awareness demonstrated only limited relationship to measures of injury severity and neuropsychological functioning, as well. Although similar results in the literature have been interpreted as demonstrating that awareness, defined as concordance, is possibly a unique construct separate from injury severity and neuropsychological functioning, an alternative hypothesis is presented concerning other, noninjury factors that may affect the level of agreement in problem reporting between IwTBI and family/friend informants.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Attitude to Health , Awareness/physiology , Brain Injuries/physiopathology , Family Relations , Interpersonal Relations , Self-Assessment , Amnesia/physiopathology , Brain Injuries/psychology , Coma/physiopathology , Discriminant Analysis , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Glasgow Coma Scale , Humans , Injury Severity Score , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Memory/physiology , Middle Aged , Military Personnel , Neuropsychology , Recovery of Function/physiology , Self Concept , Unconsciousness/physiopathologyABSTRACT
The present investigation examined the psychometric properties of the Wisconsin HSS Quality of Life Inventory (WI HSS QOL) when used in the study of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The WI HSS QOL is a theoretically based measure that assesses QOL via level of need satisfaction as conceptualized in Maslow's theory of human needs. Both internal consistency and test-retest reliability were demonstrated in a group of individuals with moderate to severe TBI. The demonstrated consistency of the participants' self-reports indicates that QOL can be reliably assessed from the survivor's perspective. Cluster analytic results generally supported the construct validity of the measure's use in TBI. The cluster solution reflected four of the five theoretical need categories; however, the fifth category, "self-actualization" needs, did not emerge as a single cluster as expected. This deviation from the theoretical model may relate to participants' difficulties in understanding the relatively abstract items designed to assess the concept of self-actualization. Overall, the WI HSS QOL holds significant promise as a measure of QOL in TBI.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/psychology , Quality of Life , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Attitude to Health , Brain Injuries/physiopathology , Cluster Analysis , Female , Humans , Injury Severity Score , Interpersonal Relations , Love , Male , Middle Aged , Models, Psychological , Personal Satisfaction , Psychological Tests , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Safety , Self Concept , Self-Assessment , Statistics as TopicABSTRACT
There is a broad range of cognitive function in persons with neuromuscular disease, both between and within the various types. Those groups exhibiting little or no cognitive impairment included FSHD, LGS, BMD, SMA, and HMSN. DMD and MD--particularly C-MD-groups did show deficits. The data on HSCA are too minimal to reach any firm conclusion at this time. Specific patterns of deficits in DMD have been proposed, but need further research. No specific correlates with diminished intellectual function have yet been found, and the search for a cause of the intellectual deficit has as yet been unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the impact of NMD on psychosocial and educational function of both children and adults is significant. It is recommended that supportive services be provided by medical professionals specifically trained in such helping professions as psychology to lessen the impact of these chronic progressive diseases and thus to improve the quality of life of persons with NMD.
