title: A qualitative exploration of how individuals reconstruct their sense of self following acquired brain injury in comparison with spinal cord injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed to investigate the specific ways in which individuals reconstruct their sense of self following injury to the nervous system, by comparing individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) and individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), two groups that have experienced a sudden-onset injury with life-changing repercussions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Phenomenological qualitative research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine individuals with ABI and 10 individuals with SCI took part in an interview exploring the ways in which individuals reconstruct their sense of self following injury. Data were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings showed similar themes identified within the interview data of the ABI and SCI groups. Both groups developed positive and negative self-narratives. Individuals employed strategies that facilitated the reconstruction of positive self-narratives. In addition, individuals described their sense of self as simultaneously continuous and changing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings are discussed in relation to proposed models of self-reconstruction post-injury to the nervous system.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland .
authors.forename: Aisling
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lennon
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bramham
authors.forename: Àine
authors.initials: À
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Jacinta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McElligott
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carton
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Waldron
authors.forename: Donal
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fortune
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fitzhenry
authors.forename: Ciaràn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation