The lived experience of occupational adaptation following acquired brain injury for people living in a rural area

Abstract

This phenomenological study aimed to explore the experience of occupational adaptation from the perspective of persons with acquired brain injury living in a rural area. Two male participants aged 30 and 45 years were interviewed using a semistructured interview format. Colaizzi's approach was used for analysis. Data analysis revealed three main themes: 'Things are different now', 'Acceptance' and 'Just another chapter'. After initially coming to terms with having a brain injury and accepting the new person the self had become, adaptation through engaging in occupation was experienced by the participants. An understanding of strategies that participants used in the adaptation process is of use to occupational therapists in order to design meaningful occupational interventions.