How do family members of individuals with spinal cord and acquired brain injuries make sense of their experiences: A qualitative study of meaning making processes
Health Psychology Open, 2020 · DOI: 10.1177/2055102920913477 · Published: January 1, 2020
Simple Explanation
This study explores how family members of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and acquired brain injuries (ABI) cope with major life changes after the injury, focusing on how they find meaning in their experiences. The research uses the concept of 'meaning making' to understand how family members make sense of life events, relationships, and themselves after a loved one's injury. The study found that family members use various coping strategies, such as staying positive and engaging in meaningful activities, while also balancing their own needs with the needs of the injured family member.
Key Findings
- 1Family members employ different coping strategies, including downplaying the consequences of the injury, maintaining a positive outlook, and comparing their situation to worse-case scenarios.
- 2Balancing family needs with personal autonomy is a crucial aspect of adjustment, requiring family members to make room for their own needs and seek motivation through relationships.
- 3The need for professional assistance can be upsetting, and family members often weigh the benefits against concerns about privacy, control, and interference with family routines.
Research Summary
Practical Implications
Clinical Practice
Healthcare professionals should recognize the importance of meaning making in the adjustment process for family members and provide support to facilitate this process.
Family Support Programs
Develop interventions that address the need for balance between family needs and personal autonomy, as well as strategies for coping with the challenges of caregiving.
Further Research
Longitudinal studies are needed to understand how meaning making and resilience evolve over time in families affected by SCI and ABI.
Study Limitations
- 1The study has a limited number of participants, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
- 2The study only reflects the family members’ perceptions of family life after an injury, without including the perspectives of the injured persons themselves.
- 3The cross-sectional design limits the ability to understand how meaning making and resilience change over time.