A mapping review of adolescent identity after TBI: what clinicians need to know

ABSTRACT

Adolescence is a critical period for developing a sense of identity, an iterative process that relies on the development of skills such as self-reflection and self-appraisal. Outcomes of identity development include personal ethics, knowledge of one's strengths and challenges, and, ultimately, independence. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects these outcomes in adults, when identity has been established and may need to be redefined; but what happens when an injury occurs while identity is being formed? To answer this question, we used mapping review methodology to explore TBI effects on adolescent identity formation, mapping the evidence onto a biopsychosocial framework for rehabilitation. We reviewed studies on identity in adolescents with mild to severe TBI ages 13–18 years, published from inception to 2021, with a focus on outpatient rehabilitation settings. Key findings of the mapping review noted adolescents post-TBI are likely to: (1) question their identity considering dissonance between the current self and their pre-injury self; and (2) seek to establish new, adaptive meanings and identities. All studies drew conclusions regarding identity and participation of adolescents post-TBI. Results provided insight into the importance of considering individualized rehabilitation interventions for adolescents, given their unique developmental path towards identity formation.

KEYWORDS:

• Identity
• Self-concept
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Adolescent
• Rehabilitation
• Mapping review

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of McMaster University Library supports in guiding the development and execution of the search strategy, and Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, for her guidance on this review

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).