title: Identity construction following traumatic brain injury: a case study.
abstract: This construction of self-identity pre- and post-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a single case study is described. A life history research methodology was employed to explore the experience of a survivor of TBI, using a single case study design. The participant was a 31-year-old White South African male who sustained TBI while on duty in the army. Multiple interviews were conducted with the participant to allow in-depth exploration of his self-identity formation pre- and post-TBI. Data analysis entailed transcribing the interviews, crafting a research story (narrative analysis) and an analysis of the narrative. The results illuminated the emergence and development of a resistance identity as a product of early pre-TBI experience, the loss of self following TBI as well as the emergence of a positive self-identity. The embedded issues of communication and self-identity are explained. The participant's narrative espoused a hopeful optimism, strongly challenging the dominant disability discourse. The specific strengths and limitations, and potential value of using life histories as both a methodological and clinical tool when working with TBI survivors is described. Implications for research and clinical practice in the field of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is also provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Speech Therapy & Audiology, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
authors.forename: Ayesha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sabat
authors.forename: Legini
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moodley
authors.forename: Harsha
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kathard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007063:Identity Crisis; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology