The Frontal Lobe and Social Behavior
Ron Gutierrez, CBIS Clinical Examiner
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Coping with a brain injury is difficult for the person injured, as well as their family members and friends. Prior to 1988, practical statistics concerning head injury and sexuality was truly inadequate. However, this has changed within the last four years. Recently, we have come to recognize a direct correlation between the two. We now know that, when focusing upon head injuries of varying severity, there is a link between patterns of disturbance and subsequent sexual behavior. (Limbert, 2001). The person with the brain injury may experience a wide array of changes. This can be determined, to some degree, by the area of the brain that has sustained the injury.

One part of the brain associated with sexual responses and behavior is the frontal lobe. The brain’s frontal lobe is a region of immense importance. It controls intellect, complex learning abilities, and personality. This region also provides our abstract ideas, judgment, reasoning, persistence, planning, concern for others, and conscience. In addition, a portion of the frontal lobe is linked closely to the emotional part of the brain, called the limbic system. Therefore, when there is damage to this part of the brain, there can be moderate to severe changes in mood and personality, as well as loss of attentiveness and inhibitions.

An injury to the brain’s frontal lobe can have tremendous social effects. A son may have difficulty controlling impulses, emotions, and, consequently, his own behavior. To families and friends, this can be extremely disturbing. The person they once knew to behave in an appropriate manner will often behave in a completely unexpected way. Lack of inhibition, unwanted sexual behavior, and inappropriate sexual comments can become prevalent in a person who was once reserved and shy.

The person who has sustained the brain injury may demonstrate a loss of concern for the feelings of others. This can be especially disheartening for family and friends. It may seem that the person no longer cares for others. The individual is usually unaware of this behavior as a consequence of the injury and its resulting deficits.

Several techniques have been effective in attempting to alleviate some of the problems associated with frontal lobe injury. The first of these techniques is social-skills training. This involves role-modeling appropriate behaviors in mock social situations. If the focus is on development of romantic relationships, role playing will focus on interaction with members of the opposite sex. It can also involve “practice” dating sessions with the assistance or “coaching” of a family member, friend, or rehabilitation professional. Another technique is frank discussions of social situations as they occur. For instance, when the person makes a sexually inappropriate comment, it is important to give immediate constructive feedback regarding the comment. At that point, alternative or more appropriate ways of expression should be explored. When this is done on a consistent basis, it is anticipated that the person with a brain injury will begin to internalize and use more appropriate methods of expressing himself.

Reference
Limbert, J. (2001). Head Injury and Sexuality:
A Literature Review. Medical Litigation News, 1.

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