Abstract
Predicting positive psychosocial outcomes following an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) remains a challenge. Considerable research demonstrates that social group memberships can have positive effects on psychological well-being, particularly during life transitions. Social group memberships are argued to help people derive a sense of self. This prospective study examined if social group memberships (number of groups and connectedness with groups) could predict posttraumatic growth (PTG) in those affected by ABI. Thirty-six participants (10 females, Mage = 46.56, SD = 11.46) engaged in community rehabilitation services completed measures at two time-points. Mediation analyses demonstrated that the number of new group memberships (groups formed post-injury) predicted greater PTG at time 2, via stronger connectedness with these new group memberships (controlling for initial PTG). The observed results suggest that a focus on developing and strengthening connections with new group memberships may promote positive adjustment after brain injury.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2054-2076 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Journal | Neuropsychological Rehabilitation |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- ABI
- Posttraumatic growth
- SIMIC
- SIMTIC
- Social group memberships
- social identity change