Christine Lock
National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
Title: Post-traumatic growth after ABI: a pilot study in a Singaporean cohort
Biography
Biography: Christine Lock
Abstract
Introduction. Acute brain injury (ABI) is often perceived as both a physically and psychologically traumatic event. The multiple deficits as a result of brain injury can change perceptions of self, relationships and general life outlook. Positively overcoming this adversity whilst assigning meaning to this struggle leads to the potential for post-traumatic growth. Cultural differences may influence coping processes, and post-traumatic growth after ABI has not been widely studied in Southeast Asian populations. We used two validated questionnaires on high-functioning stroke patients.
Methodology. We administered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) to 9 Singaporean ABI patients diagnosed with spontaneous brain haemorrhage between 2014-2017. Participants consisted of 8 females and 1 male, with an average age of 54.2 years. The PTGI consisted of five factors: 1) Relating to Others, 2) New Possibilities, 3) Personal Strength, 4) Spiritual Change, 5) Appreciation of Life.
Findings. Appreciation of Life and Relating to Others were the highest rated factors on the PTGI. Depression on the HADS displayed significant negative correlations with New Possibilities (r = -.814, p < .01) and Personal Strength (r = -.748, p = .02) on the PTGI. Within the PTGI, New Possibilities was positively correlated to Personal Strength (r = .895, p < .01) and Relating to Others (r = .736, p = .024). Relating to Others significantly correlated to Personal Strength (r = .723, p = .028).
Conclusion & Significance. In this pilot study of high-functioning stroke patients, we found that a renewed appreciation for life and social support were important factors contributing to post-stroke recovery and growth. Results also suggest that the development of new possibilities and perceived self-efficacy are related to fewer depressive symptoms. Further research can look into increasing sample size, and cross-correlations of multiple quality of life questionnaires for patients post-ABI.
References
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