Experimental social training methods

Abstract

Impairments of social behavior constitute common symptoms of frontal lobe dysfunction and are frequent consequences of damage to the frontal lobe. In this chapter we define and describe social behavioral deficits that include mentalizing (e.g., theory of mind, empathy), social self-regulation, social self-awareness, and social problem solving, and discuss how intervention research might address these deficits. Three stages of neurologic illness are emphasized: the early recovery stage after frontal lobe damage, chronic recovery phases of recovery from frontal lobe damage, and progressive decline from frontal neurodegenerative disease. Each of these stages presents unique challenges in identifying and remediating social impairments that constitute vital areas of adjustment for patients and their families within home and community settings.

Keywords: Executive functions; Self-regulation; Social cognition; Social communication; Social emotions; Social impairments; Social perception; Social training methods.