Evaluation of a coping skills group following traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) based intervention programme, termed the Coping Skills Group (CSG), on coping strategy use and emotional adjustment.


METHODS
Thirty-one individuals with TBI participated and a wait-list control design was used.


METHODS
The CSG ran twice a week, for 5 weeks and focused on developing adaptive coping skills for the management of emotional and adjustment issues.


RESULTS
Following the CSG, the majority of participants subjectively reported that they had a better understanding of emotional issues and an improved ability to implement strategies to manage these issues. Adaptive coping, as measured on the Coping Scale for Adults, increased significantly immediately following intervention. However, no significant changes in anxiety, depression, self-esteem and psychosocial function were observed on the measures used.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that it may be possible to modify coping strategy use following brain injury, through CBT.
Anson
Katie
K
School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Australia. katie.anson@gmail.com
Ponsford
Jennie
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012649:Self Concept