Exploring ‘meaningful outcomes’ in brain injury rehabilitation: perspectives and experiences of adolescents and young adults with acquired brain injury

Fleming, Melissa (2026) Exploring ‘meaningful outcomes’ in brain injury rehabilitation: perspectives and experiences of adolescents and young adults with acquired brain injury. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore what meaningful outcomes are to young people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) by exploring their perspectives and experiences. A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis was conducted which synthesised results from 28 papers of data available relating to adolescents and young adults with ABI’s changing experiences following their brain injury. Five major themes were identified: social connections; importance of family; slowly adapting and adjusting; new and continued struggles; and support in different settings. The results highlighted that the passing of time can bring about further risks for this group, including social disconnection and emphasis on how “different” they are o their peers. An empirical paper explored what meaningful outcomes are to young people with ABI using semi-structured interviews and photo elicitation with six participants. The results suggest that focusing on the more immediate consequences and managing ongoing impact of ABI remains a very important outcome, there are outcomes beyond these that may be experienced as meaningful. The findings suggest that meanings arise for a young person whilst doing a task or activity across four domains: motivation and gaining hope; having self-worth/self-belief, participation in things that bring a sense of identity and experiencing a sense of progress. Findings from both the systematic review and empirical paper are discussed in relation to implications for theory and practice, and directions for future research.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2026 08:36
Last Modified:	23 Jun 2026 09:47
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/103474
DOI:

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