Self-efficacy outcomes of people with brain injury in cognitive skill training using different types of trainer-trainee interaction

Abstract

Primary objective: To evaluate the effects of different trainer-trainee interaction patterns on the self-efficacy outcomes of trainees with brain injury.

Research design: A pre-test and post-test randomized clinical trial design.

Methods and procedures: One hundred and three subjects with brain injury were recruited and 83 subjects participated in analogical problem-solving training that was delivered in three respective interaction modes: (a) direct trainer-trainee interaction, (b) self-paced computer-assisted and (c) on-line training with real-time audio-visual interaction. Quizzes on daily behavioural problem- solving and a problem-solving self-efficacy rating scale were adopted as outcome measures. The trainees in the trainer-administered group that received instructions in person with a continuous 'human touch' showed more significant improvement in their problem-solving self-efficacy than the two other groups.

Conclusions: Interactive modes of cognitive skill training can be flexible enough to match the needs of individual trainees. However, human interaction is considered important in promoting self-efficacy in trainees with brain injury.