Collective influences on individual functioning: Multiple group memberships, self-regulation, and depression after acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT

A growing body of research demonstrates the role that social groups play in protecting health and well-being in the context of adjusting to acquired brain injury (ABI). However, the psychological processes that underpin this relationship are less well understood. The present research extends this work by testing a theoretically derived model about the role of multiple social group belonging in contributing to improved self-regulation and depression symptoms. A cross sectional survey was conducted involving 50 adults with ABI (M_age = 45 years, SD = 12.10; range 22–67 years) who completed a series of self-report measures indexing social group membership, self-regulation, and depression. Support for the predicted model was found with mediation analysis showing that multiple group belonging predicted lowered depression symptoms, by providing a basis for enhancing self-regulation. The findings suggest that belonging to multiple groups provides individuals with multiple opportunities for social interaction with which to trial and develop self-regulatory skills, which, in turn, has a positive influence on depression.

KEYWORDS:

• Brain injury
• Group processes
• Social identity
• Self-regulation
• Social support
• Depression

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Elaine L. Kinsella http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4835-8581

Notes

1 Assessing the extent that reduced physical mobility impacts on opportunities to engage in group activities goes beyond the scope of the present research. A number of participants noted that they have access to regular informal transport links (from rehabilitation assistants at ABI Ireland, friends or family) particularly where public transport is not available or accessible. These informal supports from families and rehabilitation were noted as facilitating attendance at group activities.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Irish Research Council and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland through an enterprise partnership award [grant number EPSPD/2013/691].