The lived experience of occupational adaptation following acquired brain injury for people living in a rural area.
OBJECTIVE
This phenomenological study aimed to explore the experience of occupational adaptation from the perspective of persons with acquired brain injury living in a rural area.


METHODS
Two male participants aged 30 and 45 years were interviewed using a semistructured interview format. Colaizzi's approach was used for analysis.


RESULTS
Data analysis revealed three main themes: 'Things are different now', 'Acceptance' and 'Just another chapter'.


CONCLUSIONS
After initially coming to terms with having a brain injury and accepting the new person the self had become, adaptation through engaging in occupation was experienced by the participants. An understanding of strategies that participants used in the adaptation process is of use to occupational therapists in order to design meaningful occupational interventions.
Parsons
Lia
L
School of Health Sciences, City East Campus, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. parsons53@tpg.com.au
Stanley
Mandy
M
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011594:Psychometrics; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D013637:Tape Recording; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D035502:Trust