CITATION
Hanks, R, Rapport, L., Perrine, B., & Millis, S. (2016). Correlates of resilience in the first five years after traumatic brain injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 61(3), 269-275.
SUMMARY
This is a research investigation to determine the factors related to resilience over time in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Resilience was defined as the interaction of neurobiological factors and psychosocial factors that play a role in responding to adversity. Resilience was measured with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Interestingly, brain injury severity did not predict resilience. Neither did premorbid intelligence, educational attainment or cognitive flexibility. Rather, the best predictors of resilience were task-oriented coping and perceived social support.
I chose this article because understanding why there is such a wide range of social functioning and community reintegration observed in individuals after a traumatic brain injury remains elusive. Studies of resilience in people with traumatic brain injury are relatively new and may provide important insights. This study helps to identify a means of assessing resilience and suggests that working to develop positive coping strategies may be an important factor for rehabilitation professionals.
THIS MONTH’S REHAB SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT was selected by Sarah Raskin, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Trinity College and a member of Division 22’s Science Committee.