‘Putting a new perspective on life’: a qualitative grounded theory of posttraumatic growth following acquired brain injury

Lyon, Ionie (2017) ‘Putting a new perspective on life’: a qualitative grounded theory of posttraumatic growth following acquired brain injury. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic growth is the concept that following a traumatic experience and the resulting struggle with significant adversity some people may start to view their experiences as a springboard for growth (Silva, Ownsworth, Shields, & Fleming, 2011). However, there is currently limited understanding of the process of how posttraumatic growth (PTG) develops following acquired brain injury (ABI).
Method: This research explored the process of developing PTG following ABI. Semi-structured interviews with 10 participants about their experience were transcribed and analysed according to a grounded theory method. Participants were recruited from a brain injury charity with the aim of involving them at every step of the research process.
Results: The findings suggest a dynamic and fluid process in the development of PTG. Four themes were constructed from the data and comprise the model. These themes are inter-connected and are: “living with a life changing injury”, “trying to ‘beat it’ and acceptance”, “identifying with a new you and others” and “meaningful positive change”.
Conclusion: PTG was described by the participants as a process of acceptance, identifying with others and developing new views of themselves and a changed perspective, leading to a belief that there is “life after brain injury”. The theoretical model suggests that identity and relationships are a key process in the development of PTG. Whilst this is consistent with existing literature it also suggests the importance of shared experience which needs to be explored in more detail. Future directions and implications for rehabilitation are discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Users 2593 not found.
Date Deposited:	17 Nov 2017 14:52
Last Modified:	17 Nov 2017 14:52
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/65496
DOI:

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