Post-traumatic growth in adult survivors of brain injury: a qualitative study of participants completing a pilot trial of brief positive psychotherapy

Karagiorgou, O., Evans, J. J. and Cullen, B. (2018) Post-traumatic growth in adult survivors of brain injury: a qualitative study of participants completing a pilot trial of brief positive psychotherapy. Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(6), pp. 655-659. (doi: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1274337) (PMID:28068845)

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Abstract

Purpose: Post-traumatic growth (PTG) can occur following acquired brain injury (ABI). It has been proposed that people experiencing psychological distress following ABI may benefit from a positive psychotherapy intervention (PPT) aimed at increasing well-being; PPT may also influence PTG. We aimed to investigate PTG experiences in participants of a positive psychotherapy pilot trial. Methods: ABI survivors who had received PPT or treatment as usual (TAU) were interviewed individually after the end of the trial. Thematic analysis was conducted, to code transcripts for known themes from PTG literature as well as newly emerging themes. Results: Four participants (age = 46–62; n = 3 male; months since injury = 11–20) from the PPT group and three (age = 58–74; n = 2 male; months since injury = 9–22) from the TAU group were interviewed. Six themes were shared across both groups: personal strength, appreciation of life, relating to others, optimism/positive attitude, feeling fortunate compared to others, and positive emotional/behavioral changes. Two themes were expressed by PPT participants only: lifestyle improvements and new possibilities. One TAU participant reported spiritual change. Conclusions: A greater understanding of the development of PTG following ABI may help rehabilitation clinicians to promote better adjustment by focusing on clients’ potential for positive change and enhancing their capacity for growth.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cullen, Dr Breda and Evans, Professor Jonathan and Karagiorgou, Mrs Olga
Authors: Karagiorgou, O., Evans, J. J., and Cullen, B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Disability and Rehabilitation
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0963-8288
ISSN (Online):1464-5165
Published Online:09 January 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
First Published:First published in Disability and Rehabilitation 40(6):655-659
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
613962Brief positive pyschotherapy after acquired brain injury: A pilot randomised controlled trial.Jonathan EvansScottish Executive Health Department (SEHHD-CSO)CZH/4/778IHW - MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING