Categorization, deductive reasoning, and self-awareness: Association with everyday competence in persons with acute brain injury

The present study examined the relationship between executive function, self-awareness and everyday functional competence in individuals with brain injuries. Executive function was assessed using measures of categorization and deductive reasoning ability, both of which were shown by multiple regression analysis to make significant contributions to the performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), suggesting that both measures can serve as predictors of everyday functioning in persons with brain injuries. Self-awareness contributed significantly to functional competence, but its contribution was mediated through categorization ability. Executive function was correlated significantly with posttest performance estimation (self-evaluation of own performance), but not with self-prediction of test performance prior to testing. The results are discussed within the framework of a conceptual model illustrating the multifaceted nature of executive function and its relationship to self-awareness and everyday functional competence. The results of this study indicate that categorization, deductive reasoning, and self-awareness of individuals with brain injury are good predictors of IADL functional performance, and can help in planning better treatment interventions.