Family members' narratives of lifespace: Mapping changes before and after a brain injury causing driving disruption.
OBJECTIVE
Family members of a person with an acquired brain injury often provide transport assistance during driving disruption with potential impacts on their own travel and participation within the community. The geographic area in which people travel and conduct their activities is known as lifespace. This study aimed to describe the quantitative changes in family members' lifespace after brain injury and understand their subjective experiences through interacting with maps during narratives.


METHODS
Mapping was embedded within in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 family members. Two sets of maps were generated per participant showing the number of travel locations before and after brain injury. In the interviews, participants reflected on the perceived meaning of lifespace change. Qualitative data were analysed using a narrative approach.


RESULTS
Quantitative data from the mapping revealed an increase in travel locations for nine participants, a decrease for five, and no change for one participant. Data analysis revealed four typologies which complemented and enriched the quantitative data: (i) I will do everything for him or her; (ii) Trying to fit all in; (iii) We spend all our time together now; (iv) I need to also care for myself.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings describe the change in family members' lifespace after taking on the driver role following acquired brain injury. This study highlights the importance of understanding both quantitative and qualitative aspects of lifespace. The subjective experiences and consequences of lifespace changes are different from the impact on individuals with health conditions. Mapping in an interview as a tool has potential clinical utility.
Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Phyllis
P
Liang
UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Jacki
J
Liddle
Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.|Occupational Therapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Jennifer
J
Fleming
Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Louise
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5232-0987
L
Gustafsson
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D058992:Social Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors
automobile driving; caregivers; occupational therapy; social participation