Post-traumatic growth in acquired brain injury: a preliminary small scale study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the nature, degree and time course of positive psychological change in people with severe acquired brain injury.


METHODS
This preliminary exploratory study employed a cross-sectional design, comparing two matched samples, one early post-brain injury (M = 7 months) and one late post-brain injury (M = 10 years).


METHODS
The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Sense of Coherence Scale-13 (SOC-13) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered.


RESULTS
The samples differed significantly with respect to reported post-traumatic growth, with the late sample reporting higher levels. HADS anxiety was significantly associated with post-traumatic growth. Both samples achieved high scores on the SOC-13.


CONCLUSIONS
The participants showed evidence of substantial positive psychological change, demonstrating that it is not precluded by severe brain injury. The results suggest that this develops slowly over time and requires a degree of emotional engagement.
Collicutt McGrath
Joanna
J
Oxford Centre for Enablement, Oxford, UK. jcollicutt@aol.co.uk
Linley
P Alex
PA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept