Adolescents with Traumatic Brain Injury and their School Situation: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of acquired disability among adolescents, but few studies have addressed how the adolescents themselves experience the after-effects of TBI. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the adolescents’ own perspective and coping in their school situation. Data from six adolescents with TBI in a traditional school setting were collected through semi-structured interviews. The results indicated experiences of academic shortcoming, but the social aspects presented a greater source of concern. Some reported increased stress in the teacher–student relationship. Optimism and recovery over time were important attributes for coping, as well as access to environmental resources.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Thorleif Lund for helpful comments on the manuscript. I also would like to thank the staff at Sunnaas Special Education Resource Centre for useful discussions about traumatic brain injured adolescents.