The impact of alexithymia on relationship quality and satisfaction following traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To explore relationship quality and satisfaction in couples following traumatic brain injury (TBI), obtaining the perspective of both patients with TBI and their noninjured partner; to examine the impact of alexithymia on ratings of relationship quality and satisfaction following TBI.


METHODS
A total of 47 patients with TBI and their noninjured partners.


METHODS
Twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale; Index of Marital Satisfaction; and Dyadic Adjustment Scale.


RESULTS
Significant differences emerged between patients with TBI and their noninjured partners on measures of relationship quality and satisfaction, with patients reporting significantly fewer relationship problems and greater levels of overall relationship satisfaction. In contrast, the noninjured partners of patients with TBI and acquired alexithymia reported significantly lower ratings of overall relationship quality, adjustment, consensus, and cohesion.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of alexithymia in persons with TBI is an important factor affecting relationship quality and satisfaction. Future research should continue to explore the impact of emotional deficit disorders following TBI on the quality of relationships following injury and, in turn, the risk of relationship breakdown.
Brain Injury Research Group, Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales.
Claire
C
Williams
Rodger Ll
RL
Wood
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000367:Age Factors; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult