Expressive electronic journal writing: freedom of communication for survivors of acquired brain injury.
In addition to the impaired ability to effectively communicate, adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) also experience high incidences of depression, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. Expressive writing programs have been shown to be effective in alleviating these concomitant impairments in other populations including incarcerated inmates (Lane, Writing as a road to self-discovery, F & W, Cincinnati 1993). In addition, computer applications such as email have been suggested as an effective means of improving communication and social isolation in adults with brain injury (Sohlberg et al. [2003]. Brain Injury, 17(7), 609-629). This investigation examines the effects of on-line expressive journal writing on the communication, emotional status, social integration and quality of life of individuals with brain injury.
Fraas
Michael
M
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of New Hampshire, 4 Library Way, Durham, NH 03824, USA. michael.fraas@unh.edu
Balz
Magdalen A
MA
D000328:Adult; D001037:Aphasia / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020208:Brain Injury, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D034742:Electronic Mail; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012934:Social Isolation; D012951:Socialization; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014956:Writing