Disturbances in intentional action among patients with frontal lobes dysfunction from the self-regulatory point of view

Abstract

Frontal lobe damage causes a range of impairments in the cognitive, emotional, and motivational functioning of patients and can lead to significant changes in their personality. Some deficits observed in patients with frontal lobe damage include difficulties in intentional action (or goal-directed behaviour), which can be described as impaired self-regulation. Research shows that these aspects of self-regulation may be related to reductions in executive function and in awareness of symptoms, and to disturbances in self-criticism. In examining the process of self-regulation, we refer to the ideas of Albert Bandura, which emphasize the importance of goal-directed behavior in the flexible modification of behavior, including the self-aware and critical correction of difficulties. We also present a literature review of the potential mechanisms underlying such difficulties in patients with damage to the frontal lobe, verifying data on the role of defense mechanisms and neurocognitive deficits.