A Need for Improved Training Interventions for the Remediation of Impairments in Social Functioning following Brain Injury

Social functioning deficits are a prominent feature of many neurological and psychiatric conditions, and may include disruption in the acquisition or application of basic or complex social skills. Such disturbances are often resistant to treatment, and individuals with such conditions are often faced with lifelong difficulties in maintaining personal relationships, employment, and independent living. In recent years, a number of psychosocial treatments have been developed to address this growing problem. In this article, we review studies investigating the use of psychosocial training interventions in individuals with acquired brain injuries, which frequently require intervention for impairments in cognitive and social functioning. We then discuss limitations of these studies and highlight specific areas in which such treatments might be improved in the future

Interventions for improving self-awareness following acquired brain injury

Accurate self-awareness in clients who have had an acquired brain injury (ABI) has been associated with positive outcomes. However, providing intervention that improves clients' self-awareness is a challenging task for occupational therapists. The present paper provides an overview of the literature regarding models to guide intervention, intervention considerations, descriptions of interventions, and research evidence for interventions. Professionals can draw upon cognitive rehabilitation models and specific models of self-awareness. Facilitatory interventions, such as education, feedback, behaviour therapy and psychotherapy have been recommended to a greater extent than compensatory interventions. The development of interventions for improving self-awareness is at an early stage, and research on the effectiveness of interventions is limited. Future research is required into the effectiveness of interventions to improve clients' self-awareness before structured intervention guidelines can be developed