Interaction between familiar and unfamiliar communication partners with individuals with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Purpose: Deficits in communication may predominantly impact communication participation after traumatic brain injury, although links between specific communication deficits and the type of communication partner have not yet been determined. This study describes differences in the communication interaction of individuals with traumatic brain injury with familiar and unfamiliar communication partners. Method: Eight participants with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury participated in fifteen-minute structured conversations with eight familiar communication partners and eight unfamiliar communication partners. All communication interactions were rated by a speech-language therapist using the Adapted Kagan scales. Results: Non-parametric between-group comparisons did not reveal statistically significant differences between interactions of individuals with traumatic brain injury during familiar and unfamiliar communication partner conditions across all subtests on the Adapted Measure of Participation in Conversation. However, when comparing familiar and unfamiliar communication partner performance, significant differences were found on a range of subtests across the Adapted Measure of Support in Conversation. Conclusion: Poor communication-participation, as evidenced by the Adapted Measure of Participation in Conversation scales, may occur as a result of underlying cognitive-linguistic deficits as a known consequence of traumatic brain injury. Participants with traumatic brain injury may have the potential to participate in interactions if provided with appropriate support. The Adapted Kagan scales may be valuable to speech-language therapists and may guide communication partner training for individuals with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, cognitive-communication disorders, conversation, Adapted Kagan scales, communication partners