Multiparty Communication: A New Direction in Characterizing the Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Social Communication.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this viewpoint is to advocate for increased study of common ground and audience design processes in multiparty communication in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method: Building on discussions at the 2024 International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference, we review common ground and audience design processes in dyadic and multiparty communication. We discuss how the diffuse profiles of neural and cognitive deficits place individuals with TBI at increased risk for keeping track of who knows what in group settings and using that knowledge to flexibly adapt their communication behaviors.

Results: We routinely engage in social communication in groups of three or more people at work, school, and social functions. While academic, vocational, and interpersonal domains are all areas where individuals with TBI are at risk for negative outcomes, we know very little about the impact of TBI on group, or multiparty, communication.

Conclusions: The empirical study of common ground and audience design in multiparty communication in TBI presents a promising new direction in characterizing the impact of TBI on social communication, uncovering the underlying mechanisms of cognitive-communication disorders, and may lead to new interventions aimed at improving success in navigating group communication at work and school, and in interpersonal relationships.