Relationships after TBI: a grounded research study.
BACKGROUND
While study on the emotional effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) for individuals and caregivers has increased dramatically over the years, insufficient research has been performed on TBI's impact on the coupled relationship or the healing process successful couples go through following injury. As such, couples are left on their own to adjust to the complex challenges that TBI brings.


METHODS
This qualitative study aims to develop a framework for conceptualizing and assessing couples after TBI. Additionally, it purposes to establish a foundation built upon the practises of successful couples that have subsisted TBI from which methods of treatment can be drawn. Existing personal narratives written by survivors of TBI and their caregivers were analysed. Data triangulation with clinician-authored literature was performed. Constant comparative analysis of the data was then performed through an involving substantive and theoretical coding.


RESULTS
Five primary themes emerged: Ambiguous Losses, Identity Reformations, Tenuous Stability, Non Omnes Moriar and The New Us. From these, two grounded theories were developed: Relational Coring and Relational Recycling.


CONCLUSIONS
These theories will allow researchers and practitioners to grasp the impact of TBI on the coupled relationship, familiarize themselves with the process by which relational experiences following TBI interact and understand the ways in which couples respond to these interacting experiences to work toward relational healing.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA.
Emilie
E
Godwin
Brittney
B
Chappell
Jeffrey
J
Kreutzer
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology