Abstract
This construction of self-identity pre- and post-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a single case study is described. A life history research methodology was employed to explore the experience of a survivor of TBI, using a single case study design. The participant was a 31-year-old White South African male who sustained TBI while on duty in the army. Multiple interviews were conducted with the participant to allow in-depth exploration of his self-identity formation pre- and post-TBI. Data analysis entailed transcribing the interviews, crafting a research story (narrative analysis) and an analysis of the narrative. The results illuminated the emergence and development of a resistance identity as a product of early pre-TBI experience, the loss of self following TBI as well as the emergence of a positive self-identity. The embedded issues of communication and self-identity are explained. The participant's narrative espoused a hopeful optimism, strongly challenging the dominant disability discourse. The specific strengths and limitations, and potential value of using life histories as both a methodological and clinical tool when working with TBI survivors is described. Implications for research and clinical practice in the field of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is also provided.
Highlights
This construction ofself identity p r e - and post-T raum atic B rain Injury (TBI) in a single case study is described
Personal identity refers to the unique constitution and biography o f the individual, such as preferences and personality traits, w hereas social identity refers to descriptions o f self, based on membership and identification with a certain social group
The emerging themes listed below describe the evolution o f the par ticipant’s self-identity: 1. Developing a resistance identity as a product o f early pre-Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Summary
This construction ofself identity p r e - and post-T raum atic B rain Injury (TBI) in a single case study is described. A life history research m ethodology was em ployed to explore the experience o f a survivor o f TBI, using a single case study design. This paper draws on the life experience o f a TBI survivor to explore the developm ent o f selfidentity pre- and post-TBI. The current study is prem ised on the notion that know ledge o f self-identity inform s clinical practice. It is strongly aligned with the position taken by Hagstrom and Wertsch (2004), who assert that clinicians need to understand w ho the person is in order to help him/her with communication. Identity is a theory o f se lf that is developed and sustained through a process o f inner concurrence about w hat the se lf is like (Schlenker, 1987)
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