A grounded theory investigation of life experience and the role of social support for adolescent offspring after parental brain injury

Abstract

Primary objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adolescent offspring following parental acquired brain injury (ABI) and the role of supportive relationships in offspring coping.

Design: The study was qualitative using grounded theory methodology.

Methods and procedure: Nine adolescent offspring of parents with ABI were interviewed individually. For the purposes of triangulation, three of their noninjured parents were interviewed individually.

Results: Findings indicate that following the shock of the ABI, adolescents appeared to go through a dynamic process of reevaluation of life priorities, a sudden realization of the fragility of life, and an increase in their appreciation of the family's needs. The study's findings also show that adolescent offspring can have a protective role in the family, assisting the family with the long-term challenges that ABI may present. Alternative parental figures and peer friendships appeared to have a central role for participants, providing a sense of normality and stability to their lives, and acted as an important connection with their lives prior to their parents’ ABI.

Conclusions: Findings indicated that supportive relationships were crucial as a coping strategy for adolescent offspring. Assessment of adolescents’ coping strategies and support networks should be conducted by the best-placed clinician working with the family. Preventative interventions are recommended. A strength-based view of the adolescent may be beneficial.

• acquired brain injury
• head injury
• traumatic brain injury