title: A grounded theory investigation of life experience and the role of social support for adolescent offspring after parental brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adolescent offspring following parental acquired brain injury (ABI) and the role of supportive relationships in offspring coping.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was qualitative using grounded theory methodology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine adolescent offspring of parents with ABI were interviewed individually. For the purposes of triangulation, three of their noninjured parents were interviewed individually.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicate that following the shock of the ABI, adolescents appeared to go through a dynamic process of reevaluation of life priorities, a sudden realization of the fragility of life, and an increase in their appreciation of the family's needs. The study's findings also show that adolescent offspring can have a protective role in the family, assisting the family with the long-term challenges that ABI may present. Alternative parental figures and peer friendships appeared to have a central role for participants, providing a sense of normality and stability to their lives, and acted as an important connection with their lives prior to their parents' ABI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicated that supportive relationships were crucial as a coping strategy for adolescent offspring. Assessment of adolescents' coping strategies and support networks should be conducted by the best-placed clinician working with the family. Preventative interventions are recommended. A strength-based view of the adolescent may be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Kent and Medway NHS and Social Partnership Trust, Tonbridge, England. aguedamoreno@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Agueda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moreno-Lopez
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holttum
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oddy
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*