Authors:
Dr. Aisling Lennon School of Psychology, University College Dublin
Dr. Jessica Bramham, School of Psychology, University College Dublin
Dr. Àine Carroll, The National Rehabilitation Hospital
Dr. Jacinta McElligott, The National Rehabilitation Hospital
Dr. Simone Carton, The National Rehabilitation Hospital
Dr. Brian Waldron, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
Dr. Donal Fortune, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
Dr. Teresa Burke, School of Psychology, University College Dublin
Mr. Mark Fitzhenry, School of Psychology, University College Dublin
Prof. Ciaràn Benson, School of Psychology, University College Dublin
Key Words: acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, self, qualitative
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the specific ways in which individuals reconstruct their sense of self following brain injury, by comparing individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) and individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), two groups that have experienced a sudden-onset injury with life-changing repercussions.
Design: Phenomenological qualitative research Participants, methods and procedures: Nine individuals with ABI and ten individuals with SCI took part in an interview exploring the ways in which individuals reconstruct their sense of self following injury. Data were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis. Main outcomes and results: Findings showed similar themes identified within the interview data of the ABI and SCI groups. Both groups developed positive and negative self-narratives. Individuals employed strategies that facilitated the reconstruction of positive self-narratives. In addition individuals described their sense of self as simultaneously continuous and changing.
Conclusions: The findings are discussed in relation to previous research and implications for clinical practice.
Final Report presented to the NRH Ethics Committee – March 2012