A qualitative exploration of how individuals reconstruct their sense of self following acquired brain injury in comparison with spinal cord injury

Aisling Lennon, Jessica Bramham, Aine Carroll, Jacinta McElligott, Simone Carton, Brian Waldron, Donal Fortune, Teresa Burke, Mark Fitzhenry, Ciaràn Benson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Primary objective: The present study aimed to investigate the specific ways in which individuals reconstruct their sense of self following injury to the nervous system, by comparing individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) and individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), two groups that have experienced a sudden-onset injury with life-changing repercussions. Research design: Phenomenological qualitative research. Methods and procedures: Nine individuals with ABI and 10 individuals with SCI took part in an interview exploring the ways in which individuals reconstruct their sense of self following injury. Data were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis. Main outcomes and results: Findings showed similar themes identified within the interview data of the ABI and SCI groups. Both groups developed positive and negative self-narratives. Individuals employed strategies that facilitated the reconstruction of positive self-narratives. In addition, individuals described their sense of self as simultaneously continuous and changing. Discussion: Findings are discussed in relation to proposed models of self-reconstruction post-injury to the nervous system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)27-37
Number of pages11
JournalBrain Injury
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acquired brain injury
  • Sense of self
  • Spinal cord injury

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