|
To communicate effectively with others, we need to appreciate the meaning behind other people’s words, decipher the tones and inflections with which they are spoken, and interpret the speaker’s facial expressions and body language. An increasing number of studies has shown that in some people with acquired neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders these abilities are impaired. Despite this, these abilities are not routinely assessed clinically. With the development of this measure it is hoped that the BASS will be included in routine clinical assessment for people with an acquired brain injury or a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. This will provide family and friends with information to better manage changes in social skills as they arise and guide treatment approaches. |
Who can participate?
To create a valid measure of social cognition, we must compare the abilities of people with and without an acquired brain injury or a diagnosis of Schizophrenia.
People aged between 18 and 65, and having no history of head injury, neurodegenerative disorder (e.g. dementia), major mental psychiatric history (e.g. psychosis), alcohol/drug abuse, diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder are invited to participate.
People aged between 18 and 65, and having no history of head injury, neurodegenerative disorder (e.g. dementia), major mental psychiatric history (e.g. psychosis), alcohol/drug abuse, diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder are invited to participate.
What will participation involve?
If you agree to participate you will be asked to attend a study session at the University of Newcastle or Hunter Medical Research Institute. The overall assessment involves simple tasks such as looking at photos, cartoons and videos of people engaged in everyday tasks and answering questions about them. We will also ask some brief questions about your education, culture, occupation, motivation and ability to describe emotions. This study will take approximately 2 – 3 hours to complete and you will be reimbursed for travel and parking expenses.
If you are interested in participating in the study or have any questions, please contact Kimberley Wallis (Kimberley.Wallis@uon.edu.au or (02) 4921 7048) or Dr Michelle Kelly (Michelle.Kelly@newcastle.edu.au or (02) 4921 6838).