Social Cognition across MS, Stroke, and Brain Tumor Patients

Albarda, A.C.S. (2024) Social Cognition across MS, Stroke, and Brain Tumor Patients. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Introduction: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, or brain tumors often experience difficulties in the three domains of social cognition: perceiving, understanding, and responding appropriately to social information. Furthermore, social behavioral deficits can be accompanied by an impairment of self-awareness. These challenges in social cognition can have profound consequences, as they have been linked to a poor quality of life, mental health problems, unemployment, and loneliness. However, little is known about the differences in social cognition between these patient groups. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to compare the three domains of social cognition among patients with MS, stroke, and brain tumors, both amongst themselves and in comparison to healthy controls. Furthermore, this study aimed to explore a potential impairment in self-awareness of social behavioral problems among the patients. Method: this study included 30 patients and 40 healthy controls, using total and subscores on measures for emotion recognition (Facial Expressions of Emotion-Stimuli and Tests; FEEST), Theory of Mind (Cartoon test, Faux Pas test), and social behavioral problems (Dysexecutive Questionnaire; DEX). Comparisons were made among the patient groups and between patients and healthy controls using independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, one-way ANOVAs and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Patients with MS, stroke, and brain tumors performed significantly worse on all measures of social cognition, with the exception of the ‘surprise’ subscore on the FEEST. However, there were no significant differences among patient groups. There was also no significant difference between patient and proxy evaluations regarding social behavioral deficits. Conclusion: The results indicate that MS, stroke, and brain tumor patients have impairments on all three domains of social cognition, with no differences between the patient groups. Furthermore, proxy reports indicate that there is no absence of self-awareness regarding deficits in social behavior. The findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing social cognition deficits, while increasing awareness among clinicians, researchers, and patients. Further research into social cognition deficits across different neurological disorders could provide indications for further optimizing clinical healthcare. Keywords: social cognition, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumor, emotion recognition, theory of mind, social behavior, self-awareness

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Heegers, A. and Rakers, S.E.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	08 Apr 2024 08:00
Last Modified:	08 Apr 2024 08:00
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3283

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