Establishing ‘proof of concept’ for a social cognition group treatment program (SIFT IT) after traumatic brain injury: two case studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Social cognitive deficits are prevalent after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite this, few remediation studies exist. This study aimed to demonstrate ‘proof of concept’ for a novel group treatment that comprehensively targeted the core processes of social cognition. Design Pre-post case study with two participants, “Greg” and “Aaron”, living with severe TBI, with three assessment time points. Method Participants were screened at baseline to confirm social cognitive deficits: Greg exhibited difficulties with emotion perception and detecting hints; Aaron with detecting sarcasm and hints. Both reported everyday social problems. Participants then completed the 14-week group treatment program (SIFT IT). Feasibility and outcome measures were repeated post-group and at three-month follow-up. Results The study procedure was implemented with 100% assessment and 89% SIFT IT session attendance, albeit with a lack of proxy-report measures. Both participants described procedures as acceptable, although suggested more group participants could be beneficial. They both demonstrated reliable improvements (RCI > 1.96) on relevant social cognitive measures. Qualitative feedback corroborated findings: Greg reported generalization of therapeutic gains, Aaron reported increased self-awareness but nominal generalization. Conclusion Feasibility and limited efficacy outcomes established ‘proof of concept’ of SIFT IT. Findings will inform the study protocol for a larger randomized-controlled trial.