The investigation of factors underlying deficits in self-awareness and self-regulation.
OBJECTIVE
To examine a theoretical model which suggests that a contribution of both psychological and neuropsychological factors underlie deficits in self-awareness and self-regulation.


METHODS
Multivariate design including correlations and analysis of variance (ANOVA).


METHODS
Sixty-one subjects with acquired brain injury (ABI) were administered standardized measures of self-awareness and self-regulation. Psychological factors included measures of coping-related denial, personality-related denial and personality change. Neuropsychological factors included an estimate of IQ and two measures of executive functioning that assess capacity for volition and purposive behaviour.


RESULTS
The findings indicated that the relative contribution of neuropsychological factors to an outcome of deficits in self-awareness and self-regulation had a more direct effect than psychological factors. In general, measures of executive functioning had a direct relationship, while measures of coping-related and personality-related denial had an indirect relationship with measures of self-awareness and self-regulation.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings highlighted the importance of measuring both neuropsychological and psychological factors and demonstrated that the relative contribution of these variables varies according to different levels of self-awareness and self-regulation.
Ownsworth
Tamara L
TL
School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia. consult@biaq.com.au
McFarland
Ken
K
Young
Ross McD
RM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010551:Personality; D012649:Self Concept; D012927:Social Control, Informal