Griffin, SM;Kinsella, EL;Bradshaw, D;McMahon, G;Nightingale, A;Fortune, DG;Muldoon, OT

2022

January

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

New group memberships formed after an acquired brain injury and posttraumatic growth: A prospective study

Published

0 ()

SOCIAL GROUP MEMBERSHIPS GROUP IDENTIFICATION DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IDENTITY SELF OUTCOMES STRESS HEALTH ADJUSTMENT COMMUNITY

Predicting positive psychosocial outcomes following an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) remains a challenge. Considerable research demonstrates that social group memberships can have positive effects on psychological well-being, particularly during life transitions. Social group memberships are argued to help people derive a sense of self. This prospective study examined if social group memberships (number of groups and connectedness with groups) could predict posttraumatic growth (PTG) in those affected by ABI. Thirty-six participants (10 females, M-age = 46.56, SD = 11.46) engaged in community rehabilitation services completed measures at two time-points. Mediation analyses demonstrated that the number of new group memberships (groups formed post-injury) predicted greater PTG at time 2, via stronger connectedness with these new group memberships (controlling for initial PTG). The observed results suggest that a focus on developing and strengthening connections with new group memberships may promote positive adjustment after brain injury.

ABINGDON

0960-2011

10.1080/09602011.2021.2021950