Effects of head injury experience on head injury misconceptions

This study examined the prevalence of misconceptions and effects of head injury experience on the knowledge of head-injury sequelae in a college population. In comparison to previous studies, the college sample demonstrated a lower endorsement of misconceptions relative to the general population. Although there were some significant differences between head-injured and non-head injured subjects’ responses to several items, the overall patterns of responses for the two groups were quite similar. The results suggest that experience with head injury does not necessarily increase knowledge of head injury sequelae and may even bias perceptions in the direction toward increased misconceptions.