A-110 Post-Traumatic Growth in Relation to Quality of Life in Individuals with Moderate/Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Abstract Objective Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is known to benefit individuals in recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI) as they process and reframe personal losses. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of PTG with different domains of quality of life (QOL) in individuals following TBI. Method Fifteen adults (8 M, 7 F; mean age 31; 4 yrs post moderate/severe TBI) composed a personal statement for 3 minutes. Raters identified references to TBI and PTG in patients’ writing samples. Patients completed the Neurobehavioral Functioning Inventory (NFI) to assess physical, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral functioning, as well as the QOL Inventory to assess importance of, and satisfaction with, various domains of personal functioning. Results of independent samples t-tests (p < 0.05 and/or Cohen’s d > 0.80) are reported. Results Patients scored in the average range on the NFI. Seven of the 15 patients opted to address PTG, and the same seven individuals also wrote about their TBI. Those who addressed these topics reported higher educational level and longer loss of consciousness following TBI. Demonstrating large effect sizes, results revealed individuals endorsing PTG had higher QOL in domains involving productivity and agency (work, helping, play, creativity), whereas those not endorsing PTG had higher QOL in social domains (children, neighbors, community). Total QOL and other domains (e.g., health, money, love) did not differ between groups. Conclusions Results suggest that benefits of accepting and growing as a result of one’s brain injury include active self-development and contributions to society. Neurorehabilitation should encourage productivity as a means of enhancing PTG.