Sarcasm and aggression after traumatic brain injury
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Sarcasm and aggression after traumatic brain injury
IRAS ID
181132
Contact name
Joanne Allen
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 9 days
Research summary
Acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in cognitive impairment including language deficits and behavioural changes such as increased aggression. Verbal interaction with others has been identified as an antecedent to aggressive behaviour following ABI (Alderman, Knight & Morgan, 1997), and language is thought to be important in the modulation of impulsive aggression (Miller, Collins & Kent, 2008). One way of subtly and politely communicating frustration/aggression is through sarcastic language. However, along with many other complex aspects of language, sarcasm can be impaired after ABI.
This piece of research aims to explore whether difficulty comprehending sarcasm in spoken language relates to increased aggressive behaviour. This will be investigated in two groups who have experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) who do and do not display overt aggressive behaviour, in addition to a control group who have not experienced TBI.
Participants will complete a computer based experimental task looking at their understanding of sarcasm. The study will be completed by May 2016.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1220
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion