Facebook use among individuals with traumatic brain injury

Internet Psychology

Introduction and Theory

Cognitive psychology is an area of scientific research that explores the human mental processes and their impact on human behavior. Using cognitive psychology, researchers can study a variety of subjects including how people perceive the world, how those perceptions impact behavior, and how both emotions and thoughts influence behavior. The article "Familiarity and prevalence of Facebook use for social networking among individuals with traumatic brain injury" uses a cognitive psychology perspective to study behavioral responses and changes in persons who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury is associated with social isolation and withdrawal, which in turn leads to depression and other serious mental health issues. For this reason, it is important to study ways to mitigate the tendency toward social withdrawal. Because Facebook can be used to connect with people in a non-threatening way, from the safety of one's own home, the social media website can become an important tool for persons who need social stimulation and connection with others.

The researchers hypothesize that Facebook might help persons with traumatic brain injury, by encouraging nonthreatening social contacts and increasing the perception of social support. To test the hypothesis, the researchers relied on an online survey. Therefore, the research is exploratory and descriptive rather than experimental in nature. Although the research has some limitations, it is helpful in showing how social media sites may be used in a mental health context.

Hypothesis or Purpose

The purpose of this research is stated in the introductory sections of the report. The purpose is to discover ways of helping people with traumatic brain injury. In particular, the study focuses on attitudes toward Facebook and behavioral trends in using Facebook among persons with traumatic brain injury. It is hypothesized that using social networking sites, and Facebook specifically, will help persons with traumatic brain injury by improving social skills and social contacts and therefore improving health outcomes. Furthermore, the researchers sought to discover specific barriers to using Facebook. An understanding of the barriers to use will help inform recovery and assistance programs for persons with traumatic brain injury.

Method

Only persons with traumatic brain injury participated in the current research. The researchers located the participants through brain injury associations in four states including Florida, New Jersey, Iowa, and New York. A total of 96 individuals participated. About 60% of the survey participants were female. Because a survey is the primary method of data collection, the current research is descriptive and not experimental in nature. The survey instrument used was original, designed for this research. Survey questions were about familiarity with Facebook, and potential barriers to use.

Conclusion: Relationship to Class Discussions

Because the research is concerned with the way behavioral change impacts changes in perception and cognition, the theoretical standpoint is clearly one of cognitive psychology and cognitive-behavioral psychology. However, there are other aspects of this research that connect with what we have discussed in class. Traumatic brain injury touches on neurobiology and related areas of psychological research. Related areas of research could be rooted in neurobiology. For example, a follow-up study might track the brain functions of participants to see if using Facebook actually altered neurochemistry or neurobiology. Perhaps increased social interactions have an effect on the brain. Another area of research could be cross-cultural psychology. The authors did not find any significant difference based on age or gender, but they do not mention what role culture or ethnicity plays either in prognosis for traumatic brain injury or social media attitudes. It is suggested, though, that the current research is biased because the surveys were conducted online. This means that the participants were already using the Internet regularly. Future research needs to have a broader sample population, including people who are not online because of lack of access or personal choice. This research also addresses social psychology. Facebook is a social media tool that allows individuals to connect with others online. Thus, Facebook is ideal for persons with social anxiety and other disorders. The research is limited, but has great potential for helping scientists understand the potential of social media.

Reference

Tsaousides, T., Matsuzawa, Y. & Lebowitz, M. (2011). Familiarity and prevalence of Facebook use for social networking among individuals with traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury 25(12): 1155-1162.