Predictors of positive growth after traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Research design:Longitudinal study. Method and Procedure:Long-term follow-up of a group of TBI survivors recruited between 1991-1995. In 2004, 240 of the 563 original participants were invited to take part in a follow-up study. At follow-up, survivors completed the Positive Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CiOP) along with a structured interview/questionnaire which permitted a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) score to be assigned. Results:165 TBI survivors completed both questionnaire and CiOP.103(62%) participants had suffered severe TBI, 24(15%) moderate and 38(23%) mild. Mean length of follow-up was 11.5 years post-injury (range 9-25 years). On the GOSE at follow-up, 43(26%) had severe disability; 72(44%) moderate disability;and 50(30%) good recovery. Scores on the CiOP indicated positive psychological growth in over half of the sample, as evidenced by agreement with items such as "I don't take life for granted anymore" and "I value my relationships much more now".CiOP total scores did not correlate with any injury or early outcome variables.However, at long-term follow-up there was a negative correlation between positive growth and anxiety and depression.4 Conclusion:Survivors of mild, moderate and severe TBI showed evidence of long-term positive changes in outlook.

Outcome predictors of Glasgow Outcome Scale score in patients with severe traumatic brain injury

“…[3] The average GOSE score after severe TBI in our sample was 2.9±2.5 points. The majority of patients (70%) had a bad outcome and 30% made good recovery, which is consistent with the findings of Hawley and co-workers, [23] who at follow-up found 26% of patients with severe disability, 44% with moderate disability and 30% with good recovery.…”

Quality of life after traumatic brain injury: The clinical use of the QOLIBRI, a novel disease-specific instrument

“…Some patients find new personal strengths and new relationships and re-orientate their life priorities [50] and others may cease their problem drug use [51].…”

Adjusting to persistent post-concussive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury and subsequent psycho-educational intervention: A qualitative analysis in military personnel

“…Shotton et al [45], for example, also report the use of practical compensatory strategies such as diary entries; the recognition by patients that no two individuals are the same and therefore all injuryrelated experiences differ; and the various benefits experienced post-injury. Few studies have explored the concept of post-traumatic growth in relation to brain-injured individuals; however, there is some evidence to suggest that such a population is capable of reporting positive psychological change post-injury [67][68][69].…”