Sense of coherence and disability and the relationship with life satisfaction 6–15 years after traumatic brain injury in northern Sweden

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess sense of coherence (SOC) many years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and explore the relationship between SOC and self-rated life satisfaction (LS) as well as measures of functioning and disability, sex, age at injury, injury severity and time post-injury. Sixty-six individuals (aged 18–65 years) who were 6–15 years post-injury were interviewed. Data on SOC (SOC-13 item scale), measures of functioning and disability (Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory, MPAI-4), LS (Satisfaction with Life Scale, SWLS), and sex, age at injury, injury severity and time post-injury were analysed with hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The results showed that SOC in the study group did not differ from the general population and was strongly associated with LS. Regression analyses revealed that emotional factors, social participation, SOC, and time since injury, were more influential than sex, age at injury, and injury severity in explaining LS. It was concluded that SOC in this group of individuals with TBI who were many years post-injury was similar to nondisabled individuals. SOC, together with emotional factors, social participation and injury-related factors, were determinants of LS. These results confirm that LS after TBI is a complex phenomenon dependent on several factors that are important targets for rehabilitation professionals.

Keywords:

• Long-term outcome
• Outcome assessment
• Traumatic brain injury
• Quality of life
• Questionnaires

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grants from the Norrbacka-Eugenia Foundation, the Cancer and Traffic Injury Fund, Norrbotten County Council, the Swedish Association of Brain Injured and their Families and Skane county council's research and development foundation.