Exploring the impact of traumatic brain injury on the older couple: ‘Yes, but how much of it is age, I can’t tell you …’

Abstract

Primary objective: To qualitatively explore the partner relationships of older couples faced with traumatic brain injury (TBI).Research design: Qualitative analysis comparing individuals with TBI and a comparison group.Methods and procedures: Twenty-one individuals were interviewed using a semi-structured format focusing on various aspects of their partner relationship. A qualitative analysis of transcripts identified general themes.Main outcomes and results: Variability of relationship experiences (relationship relatedness and persistence of the partnership) was shown across groups. Aspects of relationship commitment to the partnership were revealed. Many individuals with TBI and their partners attributed various relationship changes to ageing and age-related issues and not to the TBI.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the effects of TBI are not clearly distinguished from age-related causes for change in the partners and their relationship. Older couples’ experiences may be different from those of younger couples impacted by TBI, in the areas of sexuality, inter-personal support and role functions.