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

Orla T. Muldoon, R. Stephen Walsh, Mariah Curtain, Lorraine Crawley, Elaine L. Kinsella

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1272-1282
Number of pages11
JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology
Volume49
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019

Keywords

  • acquired brain injury
  • rehabilitation
  • social cure
  • social curse
  • social identity
  • social support

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