The Effects of Abstract Semantic Associative Network Training (AbSANT) on Naming Abilities in Individuals with Aphasia

Objectives: Individuals with aphasia experience persistent difficulties in word retrieval, with greater impairments in processing abstract nouns, which are essential for constructing and conveying thoughts and emotions. This study applied Abstract Semantic Associative Network Training (AbSANT) based on complexity theory and Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) to two groups categorized by noun types (abstract vs. concrete). The aim was to analyze the treatment effects and generalization effects of AbSANT on naming abilities and overall language function in individuals with aphasia. Methods: Ten Korean individuals with aphasia due to left hemisphere damage were divided into two groups: an abstract noun treatment group and a concrete noun treatment group. AbSANT was conducted for both groups. Results: The abstract noun treatment group demonstrated both treatment and generalization effects in the trained category naming task for abstract nouns, whereas the concrete noun treatment group showed only treatment effects. Both groups exhibited significant post-treatment improvement in confrontation naming task, aphasia quotient (AQ), and CIU (Correct Information Unit) ratios in storytelling tasks, indicating generalization effects. However, in the verbal fluency task (supermarket) and picture description task, significant improvements were observed only in the abstract noun treatment group. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of abstract nouns in aphasia treatment. Abstract noun training not only facilitates generalization to concrete nouns but also contributes to the improvement of overall language function and spontaneous speech abilities in individuals with aphasia.