scholarly journals New group memberships formed after an acquired brain injury predicts post-traumatic growth: A prospective study.

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhán M Griffin ◽  
Elaine Kinsella ◽  
Daragh Bradshaw ◽  
Grace McMahon ◽  
Alastair Nightingale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Social Group ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Group Memberships

Predicting positive psychosocial outcomes following an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) remains a challenge. Considerable research demonstrates that social group memberships can have positive effects on psychological well-being, particularly during life transitions. Social group memberships are argued to help people derive a sense of self. This prospective study examined if social group memberships (number of groups and connectedness with groups) could predict posttraumatic growth (PTG) in those affected by ABI. Thirty-six participants (10 females, Mage = 46.56, SD = 11.46) engaged in community rehabilitation services completed measures at two time-points. Mediation analyses demonstrated that the number of new group memberships (groups formed post-injury) predicted greater PTG at time 2, via stronger connectedness with these new group memberships (controlling for initial PTG). The observed results suggest that a focus on developing and strengthening connections with new group memberships may promote positive adjustment after brain injury.

How does a narrative understanding of change in families post brain injury help us to humanise our professional practice?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Charlotte J Whiffin ◽  
Caroline Ellis-Hill
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Change ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Narrative Approaches ◽  
Negative Change ◽  
Narrative Understanding

Abstract In this paper, we critically explore the discourse of change post brain injury and challenge the dominant discourse of negative change, which alone leaves little room for other perspectives to exist. These negative changes pose a considerable risk to the well-being of families who may benefit from engaging in richer accounts making room for a more coherent and connected sense of self and family post-injury. We explore how narrative approaches provide opportunities for all practitioners to expand their professional scripts and support families to move towards a future which is not dominated by a discourse of loss. While loss and negative change is an important and very real consequence, of brain injury, focusing purely on stories of loss is life limiting for family members and can cause psychological distress. The life thread model is offered as a visible tool for all practitioners to engage with and use while working with families, providing a concrete focus for reflection and discussion of narratives relating to change which otherwise can feel quite abstract in everyday practice. We argue that one way we can humanise our professional practice is to support all practitioners to engage in a narrative understanding of family change following ABI.

Transitioning to civilian life: The importance of social group engagement and identity among Australian Defence Force veterans

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742110468
Author(s):  
Anthony Barnett ◽  
Michael Savic ◽  
David Forbes ◽  
David Best ◽  
Emma Sandral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Group ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Civilian Life ◽  
Australian Defence Force ◽  
Being There ◽  
Group Engagement ◽  
The Military ◽  
Group Memberships

Objective: Veterans transitioning to civilian life after leaving the military face unique health concerns. Although there is a significant body of research exploring veterans’ experiences of transition and predictors of well-being, there are limited studies examining how social group engagement influences veterans’ transition. We explored how Australian Defence Force veterans’ social group engagement and identity influenced their adjustment to civilian life and well-being. Methods: Forty Australian veterans (85% male; mean age = 37 years, range = 25–57 years) took part in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Participants completed two mapping tasks (a social network map and life course map) that provided a visual component to the interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically and interpreted by adopting a social identity approach. Results: Joining the military involved a process of socialisation into military culture that for most participants led to the development of a military identity. An abrupt or difficult discharge from defence was often associated with a negative impact on social group engagement and well-being in civilian life. Veterans’ social group memberships may act not only as positive psychological resources during transition but also as a potential source of conflict, especially when trying to re-engage with civilian groups with different norms or beliefs. Military values inscribed within a veteran’s sense of self, including a strong sense of service, altruism and giving back to their community, may operate as positive resources and promote social group engagement. Conclusion: Engaging with supportive social groups can support transition to civilian life. Reintegration may be improved via effective linkage with programmes (e.g. volunteering, ex-service support organisations) that offer supportive social networks and draw upon veterans’ desire to give back to community. Social mapping tasks that visualise veterans’ social group structures may be useful for clinicians to explore the roles and conflicts associated with veterans’ social group memberships during transition.

Consumer perspectives of vocational rehabilitation and return to work following acquired brain injury

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Kerrin Watter ◽  
Areti Kennedy ◽  
Vanette McLennan ◽  
Jessica Vogler ◽  
Sarah Jeffery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
System Level ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Workplace Supports ◽  
Vocational Goals

Abstract Introduction: Following acquired brain injury, the goal of return to work is common. While return to work is supported through different rehabilitation models and services, access to vocational rehabilitation varies within and between countries, and global rates of employment post-injury remain low. The literature identifies outcomes from vocational programs and experiences with return to work, yet little is known about individuals’ perceptions and experiences regarding rehabilitation to support their vocational goals and experiences in attempting to return to work. Method: This qualitative study investigated the experiences of community-living adults with acquired brain injury (n = 8; mean age 45 years; mean time post-injury of 5.5 years) regarding their vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted, with data analyzed via thematic analysis. Results: Participants identified negative and positive experiences with vocational rehabilitation and return to work. Five overarching themes were identified: addressing vocational rehabilitation in rehabilitation; facilitators of recovery and return to work; the importance and experience of working again; acquired brain injury and identity; and services, systems and policies. Participants also identified five key areas for early vocational rehabilitation services: education; service provision; employer liaison; workplace supports; and peer mentors. Study findings inform current and future practice and service delivery, at a clinical, service and system level.

Grace Notes: feasibility of a manualized intervention to advance spiritual well-being for clients with acquired brain injury

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Margaret Thompson ◽  
Stacey Rabusch ◽  
Mary Vining Radomski ◽  
Valerie Marquardt ◽  
Kristina Kath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Manualized Intervention ◽  
Spiritual Well Being

scholarly journals Learning from the Experiences of Collegiate Athletes Living through a Season- or Career-Ending Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt A Moore ◽  
Sasa Vann ◽  
Allison Blake
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Division I ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Post Injury

An athlete’s identity is often related to the goals of their team and their ability to achieve excellence in sport. A threat to an athlete’s identity is a season- or career-ending injury. Athletes can respond to season- or career-ending injuries in ways detrimental to their psychosocial well-being (Ivarsson, Tranaeus, Johnson, & Stenling 2017). This study built upon existing knowledge by seeking to better understand the lived experiences of Division I collegiate athletes who experienced a season- or career-ending injury. There is a need for ongoing recommendations for helping athletes process their injuries. Researchers used a descriptive phenomenological approach. Researchers interviewed ten college athletes who experienced a season- or career-ending injury. Themes included: (1) physical and emotional stress, (2) resistance to resiliency, (3) importance of relationships with others, and (4) appreciation and cultivation for new possibilities outside of sport. This research provided insight for behavioral health professionals on injury response. This included the need for Posttraumatic Growth responses such as (1) building strong support pre- and post-injury, (2) recognizing healthy coping mechanisms, (3) cultivating new identities for athletes, (4) helping an athlete with identity loss, (5) helping athletes recognize new possibilities post-injury, and (6) helping an athlete maintain an appreciation for life.

Neurological outcome in children and youth with acquired brain injury 2-year post-injury

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 465-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne A.M. Lambregts ◽  
Frederike Van Markus-Doornbosch ◽  
Coriene E. Catsman-Berrevoets ◽  
Monique A.M. Berger ◽  
Arend J. De Kloet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Post Injury

scholarly journals The BrainACT study: acceptance and commitment therapy for depressive and anxiety symptoms following acquired brain injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanne Rauwenhoff ◽  
Frenk Peeters ◽  
Yvonne Bol ◽  
Caroline Van Heugten
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Background Following an acquired brain injury, individuals frequently experience anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. However, current treatments for these symptoms are not very effective. A promising treatment is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which is a third-wave behavioural therapy. The primary goal of this therapy is not to reduce symptoms, but to improve psychological flexibility and general well-being, which may be accompanied by a reduction in symptom severity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an adapted ACT intervention (BrainACT) in people with acquired brain injury who experience anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Methods The study is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, two-arm parallel trial. In total, 94 patients who survive a stroke or traumatic brain injury will be randomized into an ACT or control (i.e. psycho-education and relaxation) intervention. The primary outcome measures are the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Outcomes will be assessed by trained assessors, blinded to treatment condition, pre-treatment, during treatment, post-treatment, and at 7 and 12 months. Discussion This study will contribute to the existing knowledge on how to treat psychological distress following acquired brain injury. If effective, BrainACT could be implemented in clinical practice and potentially help a large number of patients with acquired brain injury. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register, NL691, NTR 7111. Registered on 26 March 2018. https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6916.

The reproducibility and responsiveness of subjective assessment of upper limb associated reactions in people with acquired brain injury during walking

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle B Kahn ◽  
Ross A Clark ◽  
Kelly J Bower ◽  
Benjamin F Mentiplay ◽  
Pua Yong Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Flexion Angle ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Rehabilitation Centre ◽  
Injury Rehabilitation

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine inter-rater, test–retest and intra-rater reproducibility and responsiveness of subjective assessment of upper limb associated reactions in people with acquired brain injury using (1) the ‘Qualifiers Scale’ of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework, and (2) visually estimated elbow flexion angle during walking. Design: Observational study. Setting: A brain injury rehabilitation centre, Melbourne, Australia. Subjects: People with acquired brain injury and upper limb associated reactions and experienced neurological physiotherapists. Main measures: The Qualifiers Scale applied to individual upper limb joints and global associated reaction on a 5-point scale (0–4), a summed upper limb severity score and visually estimated elbow flexion angle. Results: A total of 42 people with acquired brain injury (mean age: 48.4 ± 16.5 years) were videoed walking at self-selected and fast speeds. A subset of 30 chronic brain injury participants (mean time post injury: 8.2 ± 9.3 years) were reassessed one week later for retest reproducibility. Three experienced neurological physiotherapists (mean experience: 22.7 ± 9.1 years) viewed these videos and subjectively rated the upper limb associated reactions. Strong-to-very strong test–retest, intra- and inter-rater reproducibility was found for elbow flexion angle (ICC > 0.86) and the Qualifiers Scale applied to global and individual upper limb joints (ICC > 0.60). Responsiveness of change from self-selected to fast walking speed (mean increase 0.46 m/s) was highest for elbow flexion angle (effect size = 0.83) and low-to-moderate for the Qualifiers Scale. Conclusion: Subjectively rated associated reactions during walking demonstrated strong reproducibility and moderate responsiveness to speed change. The Qualifiers Scale and elbow flexion angle can both subjectively quantify associated reactions during walking in a clinical setting.

scholarly journals A Prospective Study to Evaluate a Residential Community Reintegration Program for Patients With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury

2011 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 696-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert J. Geurtsen ◽  
Caroline M. van Heugten ◽  
Juan D. Martina ◽  
Antonius C. Rietveld ◽  
Ron Meijer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Community Reintegration ◽  
Residential Community ◽  
A Prospective Study

scholarly journals Support for family members who are caregivers to relatives with acquired brain injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-85
Author(s):  
Janet Walker ◽  
Lourens Schlebusch ◽  
Bernhard Gaede
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level

Objectives. Family members caring for a patient with acquired brain injury (ABI) are coping with inordinate levels of stress partially due to their lack of understanding of the neuropsychological effects of acquired brain injury in the patient. The objective of this research is to show that as the caregivers’ stress levels increase, there is an increase in suicidal ideation. This highlights the causal relationship between unhealthy stress and reduced psychological well-being in these caregivers. In addition, qualitative research evidence regarding the caregivers’ views of their main sources of stress are presented. Methods. The participants were a random sample of 80 family caregivers of patients with acquired brain injury, out of whom 72.5% (58) are primary caregivers and 27.5% (22) are secondary caregivers. A mixed methodology was utilized. It comprised cross-sectional descriptive and phenomenological approaches. Quantitative data were obtained from two standardized measures: The Stress Symptom Checklist (SSCL) and item 9 of the Beck Depression Inventory. The qualitative data were derived from self-report procedures that were part of a structured questionnaire administered individually during the interviews. Results. The Kruskal-Wallis test with a significance level of p = .05 was used to compare the stress and suicidal ideation scores, which revealed that increasing levels of stress led to increased suicidality. The analysis of the qualitative data revealed five themes which were identified as the triggers of the caregivers’ profound stress. Most caregivers felt that it was predominantly the patient’s neuropsychological deficits, such as emotions and/or moods, cognitive ability, behavior and personality, executive function, and social factors that caused them profound stress. Conclusions. Support and education are needed to help family caregivers understand the neuropsychological impact of acquired brain injury on the patient. Once caregivers have an improved understanding and receive better support from healthcare providers, they should experience less stress and be better prepared to provide the appropriate support to patients with acquired brain injury.

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