Insight
| Physical | Communication | Cognitive | Behavioural / Emotional |
|---|
Insight is the awareness of yourself and others. As a result of a brain injury, a person may not be aware of the effect their behaviour may have on others, and consequently do not understand the need to change or modify their behaviour.
Following a brain injury, some people may understand their physical problems but have a limited understanding of their cognitive problems. They may have an awareness of their difficulties but be unable to understand how they then impact on them in their daily life.
People with a brain injury may understanding that they are not the person they used to be, but at the same time do not ‘feel’ any different. They may experience difficulties but not understand that their lack of insight into their behaviour may be exacerbating their problems.
Insight does usually develop over time but some people may never fully regain their awareness of their self and others. They may continue to struggle with social and professional situations and have poor interpersonal and social skills.
Non critical feedback from family, friends and colleagues can assist a person with a brain injury to gain some insight into their behaviour and its effects on others.
