Social cure and social curse: Social identity resources and adjustment to acquired brain injury

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that identification with social groups can protect and enhance health, establishing a kind of ‘social cure’. However, for those affected by chronic or disabling conditions such as acquired brain injury (ABI), their identity may also represent a burden, a form of ‘social curse’. The present study explored the identity benefits and burdens available to 15 participants living with ABI using semi‐structured interviews. The qualitative data was then analysed systematically using thematic analysis. The findings highlight social identity changes as central to the experience of brain injury. Participants reported changes in their social networks and social group memberships after injury. Identity loss and reduced social support were described as disabling. Engagement in meaningful group activity with others affected by ABI and access to affected peers enabled new group‐based resources such as social support. In this way, group activity can be seen as a form of identity enactment that can drive social cure effects. Similarly, adaptation to life after injury was demonstrably linked to social identity processes pointing to the importance of a social cure approach to rehabilitation.

The social psychology of responses to trauma: social identity pathways associated with divergent traumatic responses

“…Overall, then, growing evidence of people's capacity for PTG suggests that various components of this change are emergent aspects of social identity revitalisation following trauma. This reflects the fact that, following exposure to traumatic events, people often find themselves in a fundamentally different (psychological) worldone that necessitates an overhaul of the identities that were hitherto central to their self-concept (Hefferon, Grealy, & Mutrie, 2009;Muldoon et al, 2019). It is this revitalisation of the social self, we propose, that makes it possible to experience positive post-traumatic change.…”

“…As well as expanding a sense of connection to others, trauma also appears to have the ability to change people's sense of self. This suggestion is supported by a qualitative study of people recovering from Acquired Brain Injury (ABI; N = 15; Muldoon, Walsh, Curtain, Crawley, & Kinsella, 2019). In this study, respondents living with this chronic and often disabling condition spoke of their increased awareness of group-based resources following trauma (e.g., in the form of kindness and generosity from family and community).…”

“…For example, we hypothesise that social identity may mediate the relationship between PTS and PTG. And we have offered evidence that prior group memberships may be important antecedent resources for those affected by trauma (Haslam et al, 2008; and are currently exploring the idea that new social identities may emerge from trauma (Muldoon et al, 2019).…”

“…These new group memberships, which often replaced social and occupational group memberships that had been held prior to injury, were seen as central to adaptation and growth postinjury. Groups were also able to offer meaningful activity and a positive sense of self (Muldoon et al, 2019). Respondents indicated that making sense of their injury and the associated disability was something they achieved through interaction with others and participation in group activities.…”

“It’s Not the Same”: A Comparison of the Psychological Needs Satisfied by Musical Group Activities in Face to Face and Virtual Modes

“…There is growing evidence that belonging to social groups can influence health and wellbeing in both positive and negative ways, depending on the norms, attitudes, and values the groups hold in relation to health behaviors (Cruwys et al, 2013;Dingle et al, 2015;Miller et al, 2015;Muldoon et al, 2019). For instance, an individual who is trying to maintain a healthy weight may have one group of friends who are supportive and tend to eat healthy meals and a second group of friends who are supportive but who tend to engage in sedentary behavior and overeating.…”