Characterizing post-traumatic growth in individuals with traumatic brain injury according to social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity

Abstract

Purpose: After traumatic brain injury (TBI), individuals may face challenges in their social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity. However, positive life changes can also be experienced (i.e., post-traumatic growth). This study aimed to characterize the social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity of individuals with TBI displaying post-traumatic growth. Materials and methods: Fifteen participants (male = 10, mean age = 49.7 years) with moderate to severe TBI (average years post-injury = 15.2) were included in this mixed-methods study. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity. Qualitative data, collected using semi-structured interviews, were used to categorize participants into two groups: higher (n = 8) and lower (n = 7) post-traumatic growth. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participants in each group in terms of their social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity. Results: Participants with higher post-traumatic growth had increased social participation, higher self-awareness, and fewer negative discrepancies between their pre- and post-injury self-identities, compared to participants with lower post-traumatic growth. Conclusion: This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of post-traumatic growth through the use of both qualitative and quantitative data. These findings can inform future research and development of programs to promote post-traumatic growth post-TBI.