Exploring the transformation in occupational identity: Perspectives from brain injury survivors

ABSTRACT

Background and Purpose: When life disruptions occur, people's occupational identity shifts to reflect their changed abilities and health. There may also be changes in the range of occupations judged as meaningful. The purpose of this study was to clarify the nature of the process that underpins shifts in occupational identity following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Data Collection and Analysis: Participants were adults with TBI recruited from a centre for brain injury survivors. Interview data were analyzed through an objectivist grounded theory approach to uncover emergent categories. Findings: The nine participants suggested that the shift in occupational identity was impacted by occupational choices, re-engagement in occupations, and the development of competence. The shift was marked by Facing the Reality of Limitations and Challenges (returning to previous occupations, reflecting on changed abilities or performance), Grappling with Negative Labels (encountering labels and walls, discontinuing occupations), and Disconnecting from One Sub-Group within Society and into Another (shifting vocational or occupational repertoires). Conclusion: The results are discussed in relation to the influence of contextual factors, occupational adaptation, and the implications for occupational science.

背景与目的：当生活中出现动荡，人们的休闲身份也会发生转变，以反映他们在能力和健康方面的改变。还可能有被认为有意义的休闲活动范围的变化。本研究的目的是阐明创伤性脑损伤（TBI）之后发生的休闲身份变化过程的性质。数据收集与分析：参加者是TBI成年人，来自脑损伤幸存者中心。采访数据用客观基础理论法分析，揭示新兴类别。结果：九个参与者显示，休闲身份的转变受休闲选择、重新参与和能力发展的影响。这种转变的特点是面对限制性和挑战性的现实（返回到以前的休闲活动，反映了改变的能力或表现），摆脱负面名声（面对别人的看法和壁障，停止休闲活动），并与社会中一个亚团体脱离而进入另一个亚团体（变动职业或休闲活动）。结论：对该结果的讨论涉及背景因素影响，休闲适应，和对休闲科学产生的影响。

KEYWORDS:

• occupational identity
• brain injury
• grounded theory
• adaptation