Oral histories: bridging misconceptions and reality in brain injury recovery.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation is to show that listening to oral histories (OH) told by survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI) can influence the attitudes and beliefs held by practicing Speech-Language Pathologists, and graduate and undergraduate students studying communication sciences and disorders.


METHODS
Eighty-seven subjects participated in this investigation. Subjects consisted of 27 certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), 21 graduate students (GS) and 39 undergraduate students (UG) enrolled in a Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Participants responded to a 10-item questionnaire before and after exposure to OH. The questionnaires assessed amount of exposure to adults with ABI, and attitudes and beliefs about the ABI recovery process.


RESULTS
Findings indicate that exposure to OH resulted in a significant change in attitudes and beliefs among the participants. UG demonstrated significant changes in all questionnaire items. GS were most influenced on items related to the role of speech therapy in the rehabilitation of speech, language, and cognitive deficits. SLPs were influenced on issues related to social and vocational attainment following ABI.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral histories detailing the life-changing effects of ABI and arduous journey to overcome deficits associated with ABI may have an impact in better understanding these issues.
Fraas
Michael R
MR
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA. michael.fraas@unh.edu
Calvert
Margaret
M
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors