Post-traumatic growth in acquired brain injury: a preliminary small scale study.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To examine the nature, degree and time course of positive psychological change in people with severe acquired brain injury.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This preliminary exploratory study employed a cross-sectional design, comparing two matched samples, one early post-brain injury (M = 7 months) and one late post-brain injury (M = 10 years).

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Sense of Coherence Scale-13 (SOC-13) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The samples differed significantly with respect to reported post-traumatic growth, with the late sample reporting higher levels. HADS anxiety was significantly associated with post-traumatic growth. Both samples achieved high scores on the SOC-13.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants showed evidence of substantial positive psychological change, demonstrating that it is not precluded by severe brain injury. The results suggest that this develops slowly over time and requires a degree of emotional engagement.