Examination of an intervention to enhance relationship satisfaction after brain injury: A feasibility study

Abstract

Background: Brain injury (BI) can adversely affect marriage satisfaction, which can impact rehabilitation outcomes. The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the feasibility of providing a group intervention to individuals with BI and (2) examine if improvements occur in relationship satisfaction and communication following participation.

Methods: Nine individuals with BI and their partner participated in a 16-week group intervention targeting relationship skills training. Feedback and satisfaction questionnaires were created to assess feasibility and a pre- and post-test design was used to measure relationship satisfaction and communication.

Results: Couples reported high satisfaction with the intervention and workbook and would recommend this intervention to other couples who experience BI. The majority reported satisfaction with the length of treatment, although some felt it was too long. Three couples dropped from the study due to severe cognitive deficits or relationship distress. Couples reported significantly improved satisfaction and quality of relationship and reduced negative communication following the intervention.

Conclusions: This intervention may incorporate an appropriate framework for helping couples enhance relationship satisfaction after BI. Given the feasibility and potential for benefit, the hypothesized efficacy of the intervention deserves testing through rigorous research methods, as focusing on improving relationships after a BI could potentially optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

Abbreviations: TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury; BI, Brain Injury; CBT, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy; DBT, Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy

Keywords:

• Brain injury
• relationships
• marriage
• interventions
• couples
• cognitive-behavioural
• dialectical-behavioural
• Gottman therapy

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participating investigators who played a significant role in helping to complete this study. They would first like to thank Dr. Taryn Stejskal who served as a Scientific Advisor by submitting her developmental ideas to constructing this intervention. Her scientific contributions to this project are greatly valued. The authors would also like to thank Carla Burgman, Summer Ibarra, PhD, and Catherine Taylor, OT, to dedicating their time to learning how to run the intervention, helping construct the manuals and providing important collegial guidance.

Declaration of interest

This study was funded in part by a grant from the Indiana Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Fund, as well as the Dr. Lisa Thompson Centre for Family Education Fund in the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Foundation. The authors report no conflicts of interest.