PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the specific ways in which individuals reconstruct their sense of self following injury to the nervous system, 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. RESEARCH DESIGN: Phenomenological qualitative research. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Nine individuals with ABI and 10 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. DISCUSSION: Findings are discussed in relation to proposed models of self-reconstruction post-injury to the nervous system.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the specific ways in which individuals reconstruct their sense of self following injury to the nervous system, 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. RESEARCH DESIGN: Phenomenological qualitative research. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Nine individuals with ABI and 10 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. DISCUSSION: Findings are discussed in relation to proposed models of self-reconstruction post-injury to the nervous system.
Authors: Elsbeth Littooij; Guy A M Widdershoven; Janneke M Stolwijk-Swüste; Suzan Doodeman; Carlo J W Leget; Joost Dekker Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2016-02-15 Impact factor: 1.985