Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60608, USA.
J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2011 Jan-Feb;26(1):56-68. doi: 10.1097/HTR.0b013e3182048ee9.
To explore qualitatively the experience of intimacy from the viewpoint of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their intimate partners.
Qualitative interview study.
Outpatient community.
Eighteen persons with TBI and their intimate partners at a mean length of 4.78 years postinjury.
Open-ended, semistructured, in-depth interviews regarding participants' experience of intimacy, factors impacting intimacy, and need for services.
Factors that were perceived as helping relationships remain strong included unconditional commitment, spending time together, open communication, a strong preinjury relationship, bonding through surviving the injury together, social support, family bonds, spirituality, experience with overcoming hardship, and coping skills. Factors that were perceived as barriers to intimacy included injury-related changes, emotional reactions to changes, sexual difficulties, role conflict and strain, family issues, social isolation, and communication issues.
Education regarding the impact of TBI on intimacy should be integrated into rehabilitation. Health professionals should be sensitized as to the needs that persons with TBI and their partners have regarding intimacy and how to make appropriate referrals to assist them.
从创伤性脑损伤（TBI）患者及其亲密伴侣的角度，定性探讨亲密关系体验。
定性访谈研究。
社区门诊。
18 名创伤性脑损伤患者及其亲密伴侣，平均伤后时间为 4.78 年。
采用开放式、半结构式、深入访谈的方式，了解参与者对亲密关系的体验、影响亲密关系的因素以及对服务的需求。
有助于关系保持牢固的因素包括：无条件的承诺、共度时光、开放的沟通、强大的婚前关系、共同经历创伤后的纽带、社会支持、家庭关系、精神信仰、克服困难的经历和应对技巧。被视为亲密关系障碍的因素包括：与损伤相关的变化、对变化的情绪反应、性困难、角色冲突和紧张、家庭问题、社会隔离和沟通问题。
应将有关 TBI 对亲密关系影响的教育纳入康复治疗中。卫生专业人员应了解 TBI 患者及其伴侣在亲密关系方面的需求，并能够进行适当的转介，以帮助他们。
