Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether training in coping strategies will improve
psychologic functioning and self-efficacy in survivors of brain injury (BI) and
caregivers. DESIGN: Randomized controlled pilot study with measurements at
baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. SETTING: Postacute
rehabilitation clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Survivors of BI (n=20) and caregivers
(n=20). INTERVENTIONS: The Brain Injury Coping Skills Group is a 12-session,
manualized, cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) group providing psychoeducation,
support, and coping skills training. Effects of this preventative intervention
were examined on emotional functioning and perceived self-efficacy (PSE). MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) and Brain Injury Coping
Skills Questionnaire. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that the Brain Injury Coping
Skills group showed significantly improved PSE compared with the control group
immediately posttreatment (F=14.16; P=.001) and maintained this over time. PSE
assessed posttreatment predicted global distress at 3-month follow-up across
groups (rho=-.46). No differences between treatment and control groups were
apparent on the BSI-18 posttreatment. However, the control group showed increased
emotional distress at 3-month follow-up while the Brain Injury Coping Skills
group remained stable over time. CONCLUSIONS: Few CBT studies have included
survivors of BI and caregivers together in group treatment or included a control
group. No prior studies have examined the role of PSE specifically. Prior
intervention studies show inconsistent effects on emotional functioning, raising
questions regarding the role of intervening variables. This study offers a new
conceptualization that PSE may moderate longer-term emotional adjustment after
brain injury. Results indicate that PSE is an important and modifiable factor in
helping persons better adjust to BI.
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS