Abstract
Adolescents and young adults are often in a particularly vulnerable position following acquired brain injury (ABI). In addition to neurological and cognitive impairment, they are faced with issues concerning education, job, family, and social life. Moreover, they may be limited in meeting peers and may be left alone with psychosocial issues. This paper investigates how this patient group may benefit from meeting like-minded peers. From information gathered through a questionnaire and interviews with participants in a peer support group, the study aimed to investigate the social and psychological advances such a group can offer, and how this may contribute to psychosocial recovery following ABI. Also, the paper indicates how peer support groups may possibly have an impact on the everyday lives of adolescents and young adults with ABI.
Highlights
According to a Danish study on incidence of acquired brain injury (ABI) in young adults between the age of 15 and 30, a total of 10,542 first-time hospitalizations were identified between 1994 and 2013, making an average of barely 1,200 per year [1]
Though this study indicates that peer support groups might be beneficial for psychosocial recovery following ABI, young ABI survivors with behavioral difficulties could potentially have inhibitory impact on group discussions
Peer support groups might play a significant role in assisting adolescents and young adults with mild to moderate ABI toward psychosocial recovery
Summary
According to a Danish study on incidence of acquired brain injury (ABI) in young adults between the age of 15 and 30, a total of 10,542 first-time hospitalizations were identified between 1994 and 2013, making an average of barely 1,200 per year [1]. Despite this relatively low number of adolescents and young adults acquiring a brain injury, it is a significant group to consider, as these survivors will probably experience lifelong deficits in many different life areas. Individual concerns and priorities may be different from prior to ABI but adolescents and young adults may be confronted with a profound diversion from their anticipated
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
