The process of adjustment from the place of loss and disconnection into rediscovery of sense of wellness following Acquired Brain Injury

Context: Acquired brain injury (ABI) can have a profound impact on virtually any aspect of an individual’s functioning and recent figures suggest ABI affects approximately 700,000 people in the UK each year. However, treatment and rehabilitation guidelines state there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend any specific form of therapy to support the process of emotional adjustment following ABI. Aim: This research portfolio aimed to increase the understanding of the experience of well-being following ABI and the resources, which may contribute to this. Design: The project is presented in a thesis portfolio format combing two main research papers: a systematic review and a qualitative, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), research study. The systematic review explored the existing evidence for the effectiveness of creative activity groups on psychological well-being including mood and quality of life. The IPA study examined eleven participant’s accounts of their experience of well-being post-ABI and explored the resources that helped them to achieve this. Results: The systematic review identified some tentative, preliminary evidence for the usefulness of creative activity groups as a potential resource towards improving psychological outcomes well-being post-stroke. The IPA research identified six main themes, which illuminated the experience of wellbeing in relation to internal and external resources. The resources identified broadly related to either; personality traits or states of mind, engaging in activities or support from others. Well-being tended to be described as feelings of “inner-peace”, warmth or happiness. Conclusion: Findings are presented tentatively, and further research is required. However, there is some evidence to suggest that supporting individuals to engage meaningfully in their environments may be beneficial to post-ABI adjustment and well-being