Computer-based workplace communication training in persons with traumatic brain injury: The work-related...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Linguistics
• Computer Science

Background:

• Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often exhibit deficits in social communication.
• Politeness markers are crucial for effective workplace interactions and cooperative exchanges.
• Existing social communication training may not adequately address specific workplace communication needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel computer-based social communication training program, Work-Related Communication (WoRC) training.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of WoRC training in improving spoken language performance, specifically politeness marker use, in adults with TBI.
• To assess the impact of WoRC training on overall social communication skills in a workplace context.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was employed with eight adults with chronic TBI.
• Participants received computer-based didactic training, role-play, and immediate feedback.
• Politeness marker use was measured using the Voicemail Elicitation Task and role-play tasks, alongside the La Trobe Communication Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Participants showed a significant increase in the use of trained and untrained politeness markers in novel role-play tasks post-training.
• Familiar conversation partners reported significant improvements in participants' social communication skills.
• The study demonstrated the feasibility and positive outcomes of the WoRC training program.

Conclusions:

• The WoRC program offers a promising approach for enhancing social communication in individuals with TBI.
• This training has implications for improving vocational placement and social integration.
• The study highlights the importance of sociolinguistic foundations in communication training.