Psychological well-being in individuals living in the community with traumatic brain injury

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Citation:

Payne, L., Hawley, L., Ketchum, J. M., Philippus, A., Eagye, C. B., Morey C., Gerber, D., Harrison-Felix, C., & Diener, E. (2018). Psychological well-being in individuals living in the community with traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 32(8), 980-985.

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Abstract:

Background: Well-being and quality of life issues remain a long-term problem for many individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Meaningful activity is key to developing life satisfaction and a sense of contribution to society, yet individuals with TBI are often unable to return to competitive employment. Objective: To describe the self-reported psychological well-being of a cohort of unemployed individuals living in the community at least 1 year post TBI with low life satisfaction.

Methods: Seventy-four unemployed individuals with low life satisfaction at least 1 year post TBI were administered measures of psychological well-being and cognitive functioning.

Results: This cohort of 74 participants demonstrated cognitive impairment and elevated levels of emotional distress. Significant bivariate relationships were noted among nearly all measures of well- being, and associations were in the directions as expected. Individuals reported low life satisfaction and well-being. Two newer measures of well-being correlated with established measures used with this population.

Conclusions: Individuals with TBI living in the community who are not employed but who seek to be productive reported low life satisfaction and well-being. This study highlights the need for interventions aimed at increasing productivity and meaning in life for individuals with TBI, and a broader under- standing of psychological health after TBI. 

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