Graduation Year

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Granting Department

Speech-Language Pathology

Major Professor

Jacqueline J. Hinckley, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Gail V. Pashek, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Cheryl A. Paul, M.S.

Keywords

response elaboration training, progressive muscle relaxation, locus of control, motivation, self-concept, outcome expectancies, depression

Abstract

Perceived self-efficacy has been shown to be an accurate predictor of one's performance capabilities (Zimmerman, 2000). Low levels of perceived self-efficacy have been found to correlate with negative performance outcomes; while high levels of perceived self-efficacy correlate with positive performance outcomes. This construct has also been found to influence an individual's motivation level, goal setting ability, and risk for depression (Resnick, 2002; Phillips & Gully, 1997; Blazer, 2002). Therefore, perceived levels of self-efficacy may predict and influence performance of individuals with aphasia during a treatment program. However, the influence of self-efficacy on treatment for aphasia has not been sufficiently studied. The present study examined the differences between Response Elaboration Training (Kearns, 1985) and a modified version of Response Elaboration Training, incorporating the four sources of self-efficacy. First, it was hypothesized that the individual's level of perceived self-efficacy would predict performance during treatment. Also, it was hypothesized that a treatment incorporating self-efficacy would result in increased levels of self-efficacy, thereby promoting more positive therapeutic outcomes. A single-subject, cross-over design was employed; two individuals with Broca type aphasia received both types of treatment at alternating intervals. A relationship between perceived self-efficacy levels and performance outcomes was suggested. Participant one, with a high level of perceived self-efficacy for communicative tasks, experienced a general trend of improvement for effective communication. Participant two's use of effective communication revealed minimal change throughout the study; he also reported low to moderate levels of perceived self-efficacy in all modalities of communication throughout the study. Participant two's performance revealed slight improvements in self-efficacy, however, as well as improvements on a standardized aphasia assessment; this finding may suggest a relationship between increased self-efficacy and increased performance on the assessment. Results suggest that a treatment incorporating the four sources of self-efficacy may promote more positive treatment outcomes for individuals with aphasia.

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