TBI 13 years on: factors associated with post-traumatic growth

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate factors associated with post-traumatic growth (PTG) 13 years after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to see if PTG had remained consistent between 11 and 13 years after injury. Method: TBI survivors (n = 21), were interviewed and completed face-to face administration of questionnaires measuring PTG and factors potentially associated with PTG. The design was a longitudinal follow-up study. Results: Factors significantly associated with PTG included: having a sense of personal meaning (purpose and coherence), high life satisfaction now, social support, high-activity levels, a high number of life events, having paid work, new stable relationships after injury, milder disability, and having religious faith. Having a high level of “purpose” was the best predictor of PTG. There was no change in PTG between 11 and 13 years after injury suggesting PTG is a relatively stable phenomenon once established after the early years. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of PTG and how it is associated with factors such as “meaning” and “purpose” as well as demographic factors such as, social support, activity such as work, new and stable relationships, milder disability and a shift towards spiritual values. Clinicians can focus advice, resource and effort on supporting these developments.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• People with TBI do perceive benefits or post-traumatic growth (PTG), after time, which once established remains stable.

• Factors such as having a sense of “meaning” and “purpose”, are predictors of PTG.

• Social support, activity such as work, new and stable relationships, a shift toward spiritual values, and milder disability are also associated with PTG.

• Clinicians can focus effort into supporting these developments.

Keywords::

• Head injury
• meaning
• post-traumatic growth
• purpose
• social support
• spirituality
• TBI

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.