• 재활복지
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.187-207
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of defining concrete and abstract nouns for the elderly. A total of 382 elderly participated in this study and they were classified into four age groups (i.e., over 55 to under 64, over 65 to under 74, over 75 to under 84, and over 85 year-old group). They performed the word definition task, composed of five concrete and five abstract nouns. The total scores and numbers and ratio of core/supplementary meanings were compared among four elderly groups. The frequency and ratio of error types were also examined. The results showed that all four groups had statistically significant differences in total scores, numbers and ratio of core and supplementary meaning of concrete noun definition task. In addition, abstract noun definition performances revealed group differences except the two groups (over 75 to under 84 and over 85-year-old group). The oldest group showed a sharp increase in error production. The highest ratio of error types were personal experience in over 55 to under 64-year-old group, and over 65 to under 74 year-old groups; and for the target word repetition in over 75 to under 84 year-old group; and no response in over 85 year-old group. In conclusion, both concrete and abstract word defining abilities had age-related deterioration. This decline results from impairment in spreading semantic knowledge within semantic network, which is vulnerable to aging. Characteristics of word definition for elderly can provide basic information to understand various neurolinguistic disorders associated with age.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.49-63
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• 2024

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate parental perspectives on cognitive rehabilitation using a combination of phenomenological research methodology and word cloud analysis. Methods : Interviews were conducted with five parents of children with developmental disabilities. Word cloud analysis was conducted using Python, and five researchers analyzed the meaning units and themes using phenomenological methods. Words with high frequency were considered as a heuristic tool. Results : A total of 43 meaning units and nine components related to the phenomenon of cognitive rehabilitation were derived, and three themes were finalized. The main themes encompassed the definition of cognitive rehabilitation, challenges associated with cognitive rehabilitation, and factors influencing the selection of a cognitive rehabilitation institute. Cognitive rehabilitation emerged as a treatment focused on improving learning, daily functioning, and cognitive abilities in children with developmental disabilities. The perceived issues with cognitive rehabilitation pertained to treatment methods, therapist expertise, and associated costs. In addition, parents highlighted the importance of therapist expertise, humane personality, and affordability of cost and schedule when choosing a cognitive rehabilitation institute. Conclusion : Parents expressed expectations for substantial improvements in their children's daily functioning through cognitive rehabilitation. However, challenges were identified in clinical practices. Going forward, we expect that cognitive rehabilitation will evolve into a better therapeutic support service addressing the concerns raised by parents.