The possible selves of individuals with an acquired brain injury

Barnes, Laura (2019) The possible selves of individuals with an acquired brain injury. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

Preview

PDF Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Context: The biopsychosocial approach to understanding brain injury has allowed for greater scope to understand subjective experience and how such experiences affect adjustment to brain injury. This thesis portfolio focuses on two aspects of subjective experiences in those with a brain injury, health-related quality of life and ‘possible selves’.

Aim: The broad aim of this thesis portfolio is to explore ways in which rehabilitation, through both identification of need and intervention, can be improved through exploration of subjective experiences. Two papers are presented: a systematic review which explores predictors of long-term health-related quality of life in those with a traumatic brain injury and a mixed methods research study which pilots the use of the possible selves interview in those with an acquired brain injury.

Results: The findings from the systematic review provide support for the biopsychosocial model of adjustment. However, they also indicate a need to better understand how brain-injury specific health consequences that arise after a TBI impact quality of life. The results of the research paper indicate that the possible selves interview is a feasible measure to use in those with a brain injury. This finding paves the way for future research to expand upon the use of possible selves in rehabilitation, as a way to combine areas relating to identity, motivation and goal-setting.

Conclusions: The overall thesis emphasises the importance of the subjective experiences of those with a brain injury in rehabilitation. Both health-related quality of life and possible selves require further research to best understand their utility in shaping assessment and intervention in those with a brain injury.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Users 11011 not found.
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2019 13:10
Last Modified:	18 Oct 2019 13:10
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/72706
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item