Article

This study explores the lived experience of male survivors of traumatic brain
injury (TBI) in relation to perceived changes in their personal and social
identity. The aim was to provide an understanding of the individuals' sense of
self and sources of emotional distress and growth following injury.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine male survivors of TBI (aged
22-59 years). These men were 17 months to 21 years post-injury and were recruited
through a UK holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation centre. Transcripts of
their accounts were analysed using thematic analysis. Identified dominant themes
related to the men's described experience of changes in self relating to their
social world, were titled: "abnormality", "hidden", "the old-me-new-me" and
"others treat me differently". In response to these emotional experiences the
themes of "self-criticism", "need to be as others want me to be" and "withdrawal"
emerged. The identified themes are considered alongside the alternative narrative
of "positive growth" in relation to current understanding of identity and
"self-conscious" emotions. Future research and clinical implications are
suggested.

Langue : ANGLAIS