| Abstract: |
Examined the effects of group communication treatment on linguistic and communicative performance in 24 adults (aged 46-80 yr olds) with chronic aphasia. Ss were randomly assigned to 2 treatment and 2 deferred treatment groups. Groups were balanced for age, education level, and initial aphasia severity. While in the treatment conditions, all Ss received 5 hrs of group communication treatment weekly, provided by a speech pathologist. The focus of treatment included increasing initiation of conversation and exchanging information using whatever communicative means possible. While awaiting group communication treatment, Ss in the deferred treatment groups engaged in such activities as support, performance, or movement groups to control for the effects of social contact. Linguistic and communicative measures were administered to all Ss at entry, after 2 and 4 mo of treatment, and following 4 to 6 wks of no treatment. In addition, all Ss in the deferred groups received an additional administration of all measures just before their treatment trial. Ss receiving group communication treatment had significantly higher scores on communicative and linguistic measures than Ss not receiving treatment. In addition, significant increases were revealed after 2 mo of treatment and after 4 mo of treatment. |
