Exploring the Importance of Identity Following Acquired Brain Injury: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Life following acquired brain injury (ABI) for survivors and their families is often accompanied by experiences of tremendous physical and emotional difficulties. Upon returning home from in-patient rehabilitation, many survivors struggle to maintain their intimate relationships, come to terms with their injuries, and ultimately build satisfying lives. Addressing the loss and reconstruction of identity for survivors and their families is emerging as a crucial component of rehabilitation following injury. This paper reviews the literature surrounding these phenomena from a social neuropsychology, cognitivepsychological, and psychosocial perspective. In doing so, the epistemological tensions between these perspectives are uncovered and examined. Finally, a summary of post-hospitalization strategies for addressing identity loss and (re)construction for both ABI survivors and their families are provided.

Relationships after TBI: A grounded research study

“…The Relational Coring theme of Tenuous Stability overlays the individual experiences both caregivers and survivors have with regards to survivor behavioural instability and emotional labiality [43][44][45]. Individuallyfocused literature discusses both the concepts of Identity and an individualized approximation of Non Omnes Morriar, when exploring changes in the individual identity and the survivor and caregiver pull toward and struggle with separating from their past selves [46,47]. Finally, Relational Recycling and the thematic 'The New Us' are similar in concept to an individual study investigating caregiver and survivor satisfaction with life.…”

Experiences that challenge self-identity following traumatic brain injury: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research

“…Self-identity can therefore be conceptualised as being constructed both subjectively focusing on what makes us unique and different from others, and socially through our interactions and group memberships [3,4]. TBI can result in profound changes to physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning [3,5]. Physical changes, such as changes in gait, voice or body shape, can result in people with acquired brain injuries (ABIs) including TBI being less recognisable to themselves and others [6].…”

Structured flexibility and context-sensitive behavioral support for the chronically cranky

“…A number of community support providers have developed an evidence base which demonstrates the success of approaches that uses a framework that focuses on flexible, practical problemsolving strategies that encourage ongoing adjustment in response to the ongoing evaluation of results as they emerge in practical settings (Cattelani, Zettin, & Zoccolotti, 2010;Feeney, 2010;2008;Ylvisaker & Feeney, 1998). There is also increasing evidence that intervention and support strategies that: a) focus on creating intervention frameworks with a primary focus on assisting individuals to develop self-efficacy in social contexts, b) create personal and positive identities associated with participation in meaningful activities; and c) assist individuals to learn self-regulation can result in long-term success (Lorenz, 2010;Segal, 2010;Ylvisaker & Feeney, 2004;Ylvisaker, Mcpherson, Kayes & Pellet, 2008). There is now ample clinical evidence that recommends a move away from the universal use of specific population-wide protocols when addressing the needs of individuals with behavioral difficulties in non-clinical settings (Hayes, 2004;Vilardaga, Hayes, Levin & Muto, 2009).…”