The predictive utility of social cognitive measures in determining functional outcomes after acquired brain injury

Previous studies indicate that social cognition is impaired after an acquired brain injury (ABI). Social cognition refers to the ability to interpret and understand emotions, social settings and interpersonal exchanges. The present study examined impairments in social cognitive ability, and the predictive utility of social cognition in determining functional outcomes after an ABI. Thirty participants with an ABI (m= 18, f= 12) were recruited, and 30 healthy controls matched for similar sex, age and premorbid IQ. A series of independent samples t-tests compared the ABI and control participants on social cognitive measures. The relationship between the ABI participant's social cognitive ability and their functional outcomes were examined using eight hierarchical regressions. t-test results indicated that the ABI group performed significantly worse on the objective and informant measures of social cognition, while no significant differences on the self-reported social cognition measures were observed. Social cognition significantly predicted 43.5% of the variance in living skills on the participants rated outcome measure. The other regression models showed trends where social cognition predicted functional outcomes, however were non-significant. Clinical implications of the current study include facilitating assessments, by identifying individuals and their families who would benefit from more assistance and education.