Citation

Cutler M, Nelson ML, Nikoloski M, Kuluski K. J. Soc. Work Disabil. Rehabil. 2016; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Sinai Health System.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1536710X.2016.1220879

PMID

27494439

Abstract

"How does participating in a peer support group impact an adult's psychosocial adjustment following brain injury?" was investigated using a qualitative approach, interviewing patients recruited from an Ambulatory Care Program. Data analysis guided by Bury's sociological framework, "biographical disruption" and "biographical repair," revealed participants' pre-group "disrupted sense of self," including sub-themes related to intrinsic losses and uncertainty. "Enhanced psychosocial adjustment" including sub-themes described participants' reorientation through shared experience. Finally, a post-group "adapted sense of self" including sub-themes was characterized by heightened purpose, self-awareness and acceptance.

FINDINGS lend weight to using tailored peer interventions to optimize psychosocial adjustment for this population.

Language: en