The experience of being a parent with an acquired brain injury (ABI) as an inpatient at a neuro-rehabilitation centre, 0–2 years post-injury

Abstract

Primary objective: Little research has been conducted exploring the issues surrounding parenting with an acquired brain injury (ABI). This study aimed to explore the experiences and needs of parents who suffered an ABI in the last 2 years from their own perspectives. For individuals with an ABI who have dependent children their ABI has the potential to impact upon their parenting abilities, skills and relationships.

Research design: Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. Using IPA allowed the research questions and inquiry to be positioned epistemologically and directed towards ‘meaning’ rather than ‘difference’ or ‘causality’.

Methods: Five participants (two female, three male) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule.

Main outcomes: Four main themes were identified: (i) Multiple losses, (ii) A mix of resigned acceptance and uncertain future, (iii) Giving and receiving support is part of the healing process and (iv) Hopes and aspirations.

Conclusions: The results indicated that the participants experienced an oscillation between experiencing the multiple losses of their parental role and attempting to adapt and adjust to these changes. These findings are discussed in relation to clinical and theoretical implications for parents who are inpatients with an ABI up to 2 years post-injury.

• Acquired brain injury
• adaptation
• adjustment
• parents
• parenting roles