Citation

Kreutzer JS, Marwitz JH, Sima AP, Graham KM, Hsu NH, Mills A, Lukow HR. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Drs Kreutzer, Graham, Hsu, Mills, and Lukow and Ms Marwitz) and Biostatistics (Dr Sima), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0000000000000519

PMID

31479075

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of an intervention (Therapeutic Couples Intervention, TCI) designed to improve relationship quality for couples after acquired brain injury. SETTING: Outpatient brain injury rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Persons with brain injury (n = 75) and their intimate partners (n = 75).

DESIGN: Two-arm parallel, randomized, controlled trial with wait-listed control.

METHODS: Composed of 5 to 6 2-hour sessions, the TCI is a manualized, treatment program designed to enhance relationship quality by addressing issues and concerns most often identified by persons with brain injury and their partners. MAIN MEASURE: Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale completed by the persons with brain injury and their partners.

RESULTS: Persons with brain injury and their partners in the treatment group showed an improvement in relationship quality, both compared with their own baseline values and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Investigation provided evidence that a curriculum-based education, skill-building, and supportive intervention can benefit couples for up to 3 months after treatment. Additional research is needed to ascertain the long-term benefits of intervention and the efficacy of alternative delivery methods (eg, Internet, telephone, and group).

Language: en