Date of Award
4-1983
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Paul Mountjoy
Second Advisor
Dr. Chris Koronakos
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Two adult stroke patients, one left hemisphere and one right hemisphere, reported weekly levels of depression, anxiety, and hostility following discharge to the home environment. Spouses reported weekly levels of perceived changes in emotional behavior. Data on changes in emotional behavior were recorded using the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist. Weekly rates of positive reinforcement were recorded throughout the study for both patients. Following an eight week baseline period the rate of positive reinforcement was increased via manipulation of homework assignments to involve the patients in previously enjoyed activities. Results revealed a moderately high negative correlation between patient*s reported level of emotional behavior and spouse's perceived level, while increases in reinforcement density via homework assignments revealed a significant- reduction in the level of reported anxiety for the left stroke patient. Regression analysis indicated that reinforcement density is an important variable when investigating emotional changes in behavior following cerebrovascular lesions.
Recommended Citation
Henry, George Kahle, "Cerebrovascular Lesions, Emotional Behavior and Changes in Reinforcement Density" (1983). Masters Theses. 1597.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1597