Article

PURPOSE: To explore traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a biographical disruption and
to study the reconstruction of everyday occupations and work participation among
individuals with mild TBI. METHODS: Seven focus groups were conducted with 12
women and 8 men (22-60 years) who had sustained mild TBI and participated in a
return-to-work program. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content
analysis. RESULTS: Four interrelated themes emerged: disruption of occupational
capacity and balance; changes in self-perceptions; experience of time; and
occupational adjustment and reconstruction. The meaning of the impairments lies
in their impact on the individual's everyday occupations. The abandonment of
meaningful daily occupations and the feeling of not recognizing oneself were
experienced as threats to the sense of self. Successful integration of the past,
present and future was paramount to continuing life activities. The
unpredictability of the future seemed to permeate the entire process of
adjustment and reconstruction of daily life. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that
the concept of time is important in understanding and supporting the
reconstruction of daily life after TBI. The fundamental work of rehabilitation is
to ameliorate the disruptions caused by the injury, restoring a sense of personal
narrative and supporting the ability to move forward with life. Implications for
Rehabilitation Individuals with a protracted recovery after a mild traumatic
brain injury must reconstruct a new way of being and acting in the world to
achieve biographical continuity. The perceived anxiety regarding changes in self
and occupational identity, as well as loss of control over the future, can be
attenuated through informational sessions during the hospital stay and at
follow-up visits. The significant personal costs of returning to full-time
employment too early indicate the need for early and ongoing vocational support
in achieving a successful return to work.

Langue : ANGLAIS