Relationship Between Neurocognitive Function and Self-Discrepancy After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
File version
Author(s)
Ownsworth, Tamara
Fleming, Jennifer
Shum, David HK
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Objective: Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often make unfavorable comparisons between their preinjury and postinjury selves. Although it is known that negative “self-discrepancy” is related to poorer emotional adjustment, the impact of neurocognitive function on self-discrepancy is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between current neurocognitive function (attention, memory, executive function, and self-awareness) and selfdiscrepancy after severe TBI. Design: Fifty-four adults with severe TBI were recruited from outpatient and community rehabilitation services and completed measures of self-discrepancy (Head Injury Semantic Differential Scale-III) and self-awareness (Awareness Questionnaire) and a battery of standardized tests of attention, memory, and executive functions. Results: More negative self-discrepancy was significantly associated with greater self-awareness (r = −0.40, P < .001) and better performance on tests of immediate memory (r = −0.43, P < .01), working memory (r = −0.35, P < .05), and verbal fluency (r = −0.34, P < .05). Self-awareness was the only neurocognitive factor significantly and uniquely related to self-discrepancy, accounting for 8.6% of the variance (P < .05). Furthermore, self-awareness was found to partially mediate the relationship between immediate memory and self-discrepancy. Conclusion: Better neurocognitive function is related to more negative self-discrepancy. These findings improve understanding of the process of identity reconstruction following TBI.
Journal Title
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
This publication has been entered into Griffith Research Online as an Advanced Online Version.
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Psychology
Neurosciences