A multicontext approach to promoting transfer of strategy use and self regulation after brain injury: An exploratory study.
OBJECTIVE
Persons with brain injury frequently demonstrate decreased ability to monitor and apply strategies learned in treatment to everyday situations. The aim of this study is to refine, explore and provide preliminary testing of the multicontext approach in promoting strategy use across situations and increasing self-regulation, awareness and functional performance.


METHODS
This study used a single-subject design with repeated measures pre- and post-intervention, with data analysed descriptively and graphically. Four persons with difficulty following multi-step directions, 3-5 years post-TBI, received a nine session intervention programme. Outcome measures included the Awareness Questionnaire, Self-Regulation Skills Interview, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Multiple Errands Test and an Executive Function Performance Test sub-task. The process of change within each treatment session was examined with strategy and awareness ratings.


RESULTS
All participants demonstrated positive changes in self-regulatory skills and strategy use that was observed across tasks. As expected, general awareness of deficits remained unchanged. Examination of individual participants revealed important, varying patterns of change in strategy use, learning transfer and self-awareness across intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility and efficacy of the multicontext approach in promoting transfer of strategy use to enhance functional performance and selective aspects of awareness. Further investigation, including a larger controlled study, is needed to confirm or limit these observations.
Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522, USA. jtoglia@mercy.edu
Joan
J
Toglia
Mark V
MV
Johnston
Yael
Y
Goverover
Barry
B
Dain
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D012927:Social Control, Informal