Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
23.7K
Does Facebook Use Provide Social Benefits to Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury?
Catalina L Toma1, Juwon Hwang2, Lisa Kakonge3
1Department of Communication Arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
|March 11, 2024
Summary
Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) prefer Facebook self-disclosure, but this does not enhance social connectedness. Further research is needed to support TBI patients on social media.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Social Media Studies
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently leads to social isolation.
- The social compensation hypothesis suggests that individuals may use technology to overcome social deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Facebook use enhances social connectedness for individuals with TBI.
- To examine the role of self-disclosure preferences and relational maintenance behaviors on Facebook in TBI patients.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 104 participants, including 53 with TBI and 51 without.
- Participants' preferences for self-disclosure (Facebook vs. face-to-face) and Facebook relational maintenance behaviors were assessed.
Main Results:
- Individuals with TBI showed a greater preference for self-disclosure on Facebook compared to noninjured individuals.
- For noninjured participants, Facebook self-disclosure correlated with relational maintenance and increased closeness.
- These benefits were not observed in the TBI group, indicating a disconnect between Facebook self-disclosure and social connectedness.
Conclusions:
- The social compensation hypothesis is only partially supported in the context of TBI.
- Technological interventions may be necessary to help individuals with TBI leverage social media for improved social connectedness.
Related Concept Videos
01:04Social Facilitation
Not all intergroup interactions lead to negative outcomes. Sometimes, being in a group situation can improve performance. Social facilitation occurs when an individual performs better when an audience is watching than when the individual performs the behavior alone. This typically occurs when people are performing a task for which they are skilled.
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...