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Evaluating Verbal Communication in Structured Interactions: Theoretical and Clinical Implications

Award Number: R01DC021714
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

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Evaluating Verbal Communication in Structured Interactions: Theoretical and Clinical Implications - Abstract Functional communication in a typical conversation involves complex adjustments by conversation partners (interlocutors) at multiple levels of language structure. Current accounts of this center on typical interlocutors and do not provide an adequate framework for understanding how functional communication emerges in interactions involving those with communication disorders. The current proposal aims to expand existing accounts through the systematic study of communicative interaction involving persons with ALS (PALS). ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that negatively affects verbal communication. This decline in verbal ability significantly diminishes quality of life of PALS and their family. Current interventions to enhance verbal communication focus mainly on improving a speaker’s productions, but this approach is less effective in degenerative conditions such as ALS in which speakers’ abilities continue to decline in spite of intervention. In the current proposal, we aim to (a) extend current theoretical accounts to involve those with communication disorders by studying PALS and (b) explore the feasibility of clinical interventions that leverage interactions to support verbal communication in degenerative diseases like ALS. We will do so through a set of three concordant, independent aims. In Aim 1, we will study highly structured interactions involving PALS and unfamiliar interlocutors that will focus on the phonetic level. In Aim 2, we will study more naturalistic interactions to study the flexibility PALS have at other levels of language structure (e.g., syntax and pragmatics). In Aim 3, we will incorporate caregivers into structured interactions with PALS and assess the clinical feasibility of interventions based on interactions. Upon the successful completion of this project, we will obtain an improved understanding of communicative interactions involving interlocutors with communication disorders. Specifically, our findings will elucidate patterns of change that support communication success for PALS and their interlocutors. These findings will also provide an evidence base for novel interventions to support verbal communication for people with degenerative conditions.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $559,855 )
2025	2025	THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	201 OLD MAIN	UNIVERSITY PARK	PA	16802	CENTRE	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	2	2/25/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$559,855
														Subtotal = $559,855

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $647,516 )
2024	2024	THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	201 OLD MAIN	UNIVERSITY PARK	PA	16802	CENTRE	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	1	3/4/2024	NEW	$647,516
														Subtotal = $647,516

Grand Total All Awards = $1,207,371

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Evaluating Verbal Communication in Structured Interactions: Theoretical and Clinical Implications

Award Number: R01DC021714

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

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