Dysfunctional schema modes in individuals with frontal lobe lesion; multiple CASE study analysis

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate the emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses of individuals with frontal lobe lesions. The study also sought to determine the coping and defence responses, as well as the executive functioning and higher-order mental activities, of individuals with frontal lobe lesions. All this was to be achieved through multiple case studies conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. Method The dysfunctional and healthy modes of individuals with frontal lobe lesions were assessed using the Urdu version of the Schema Mode Inventory. In addition, the executive functioning and higher-order mental activities of individuals with frontal lobe lesions were examined using the Stroop Neuropsychological Screening Test (Stroop test). Sample The study sample comprised four patients with frontal lobe lesions, including both surgical and non-surgical lesions. Results The study results showed that all four patients with frontal lobe lesions (surgical and non-surgical) exhibited dysfunctional schema modes, for example, the child, maladaptive, and punitive parent modes. No difference was found between the surgical and non-surgical frontal lobe lesion patients. The results also showed that the patients with frontal lobe lesions achieved low scores on the Stroop test.