'Everyday problem solving' and ‘theory of mind' in the dementias

Prof Doc Thesis


Pendrey, Rachel 2006. 'Everyday problem solving' and ‘theory of mind' in the dementias. Prof Doc Thesis University of East London School of Psychology
AuthorsPendrey, Rachel
TypeProf Doc Thesis
Abstract

Impairments in everyday problem solving have been found in participants with
neurodevelopmental disorders (Channon et al, 2001; 2003) and brain injuries,
Channon and Crawford (1999). Impairments in Theory of Mind (ToM) have
been found in participants with neurodevelopmental disorders, Baron-Cohen et
al (1985), brain injuries, (Bach et al, 2000; Rowe et al, 2001) and Pronto-
Temporal Dementia (FTD), Gregory et al (2002). The aims of the present study
were to investigate whether there was impairment of everyday problem solving
in the dementias; the contribution of Executive Functioning (EF), ToM and
abstract language abilities to everyday problem solving ability and whether
there was a relationship between everyday problem solving or ToM to social
functioning. Twelve participants with a dementia and thirteen healthy older
adult control participants completed measures of everyday problem solving, EF,
ToM and abstract language. Participants with a dementia produced significantly
poorer quality solutions to everyday problems, than healthy older adults, but
were unimpaired in the number of potential solutions they were able to
generate. The study did not indicate a relationship between general cognitive
functioning, EF or ToM and everyday problem solving. Participants with a
dementia also did significantly poorer on ToM tests. It was not demonstrated
that either general cognitive functioning or EF was related to ToM performance.
There was no evidence for the hypothesised relationship between everyday
problem solving or ToM and social behaviour. Methodological limitations of the
study are discussed and suggestions for future research are made. Reflections
on the research process include discussion of opportunities and challenges for
clinical psychologists conducting research with clinical populations.

Year2006
Publication dates
PrintFeb 2006
Publication process dates
Deposited15 Jul 2014
Additional information

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