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Exploring the role of social cognition in couples' relationship satisfaction and continuity after acquired brain
Lawson Falshaw1, Nigel King1,2
1Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Objective:
To investigate the role of social cognition in relationship satisfaction and continuity among couples following an acquired brain injury (ABI) in one partner.
Method:
A total of 64 participants, each in a relationship with an individual who had experienced an ABI, completed assessments evaluating their partner's social cognition, their own relationship satisfaction both before and after the injury, and a measure of relational continuity post-injury.
Results:
Participants reported a significant decline in relationship satisfaction following their partner's ABI. Those indicating a substantial decrease in satisfaction had partners with notably lower social cognition scores compared to those reporting minimal changes. Regression analysis demonstrated that overall social cognition scores significantly predicted relational continuity; however, no individual domain within the social cognition measures independently predicted continuity outcomes.
Conclusion:
Social cognition deficits in individuals with ABI are associated with decreased relationship satisfaction and continuity. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing social cognition in rehabilitation programs to support couples in maintaining relationship satisfaction and continuity following ABI.
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