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ABSTRACT: To examine use of Facebook among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify barriers preventing Facebook use.
An online survey was developed assessing frequency and barriers to use of Facebook. The survey was distributed electronically to individuals with TBI through four state brain injury associations. Ninety-six individuals with TBI completed the survey (60% female, age range: 23-70).
The relative majority of respondents (60%) reported using Facebook on a regular basis. Among those who reported not using Facebook, the most commonly reported barriers were security concerns and cognitive deficits. Approximately half of non-users indicated interest in learning to use the site, with 70% reporting that they would use it more if they were more knowledgeable about it. Both users and non-users indicated that they would be interested in receiving training to learn how to use Facebook better.
Social networking sites are increasingly important in creating and maintaining social networks. A significant number of survey respondents expressed interest in further training on Facebook use. Increased use of social networking may have important implications for social integration among individuals with TBI.
Brain Injury 09/2011; 25(12):1155-62. · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study examines the relative contribution of employment-related and general self-efficacy to perceptions of quality of life (QoL) for individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Correlational.
Community-based research and training center.
427 individuals with self-reported TBI under the age of 65 were included in analysis.
Employment-related self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, perceived quality of life (PQoL), unmet important needs (UIN).
Significant correlations were found between income, injury severity, age at injury, and employment and the QoL variables. In addition, employment-related and general self-efficacy correlated positively with both PQoL and UIN. Employment-related and general self-efficacy accounted for 16% of the variance in PQoL and 9.5% of the variance in UIN, over and above other variables traditionally associated with QoL.
These findings highlight the importance of including subjective appraisals of employment, such as perceived self-efficacy at the workplace, in assessing QoL and successful return to work following TBI.
Rehabilitation Psychology 09/2009; 54(3):299-305. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cognitive rehabilitation refers to a set of interventions that aim to improve a person's ability to perform cognitive tasks by retraining previously learned skills and teaching compensatory strategies. Cognitive rehabilitation begins with a thorough neuropsychological assessment to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses and the degree of change in cognitive ability following a brain injury. The conclusions of the assessment are used to formulate appropriate treatment plans. Common interventions for improvements in attention, memory, and executive function, as well as the nature of comprehensive programs, which combine treatment modalities, are reviewed. Cognitive rehabilitation is effective for mild-to-severe injuries and beneficial at any time post-injury. Sufficient evidence exists supporting the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation, which has become the treatment of choice for cognitive impairments and leads to improvements in cognitive and psychosocial functioning.
Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine A Journal of Translational and Personalized Medicine 05/2009; 76(2):173-81. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Previous studies that used objective measures of community integration found that in the first year after injury, minority groups with traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit lower levels of community integration than White participants. The objective of this study was to determine if this discrepancy persists beyond one year post injury, and if assessing subjective components of community integration helps understand these differences. Participants were 360 community dwelling adults with TBI including 29% from minority backgrounds. Mean time post injury was 8.66 years (SD = 9.94). Main outcome measure utilized was the Participation Objective Participation Subjective (POPS). Multiple regression indicated that minority status predicted levels of transportation use (p < 0.01), with white participants reporting less use, after controlling for demographic and injury variables. When looking at subjective indicators, minority status predicted levels of dissatisfaction with community, civic, life and leisure participation (p < 0.01), and total levels of participation (p < 0.0125), with White participants reporting significantly less dissatisfaction. Findings indicate that differences between minorities and white participants in objective aspects of community integration after one year post-injury are only evident in levels of transportation use. However, when looking at subjective indicators differences between groups are present in other areas. These findings underscore the importance of considering the consumer's subjective experience when providing services to minorities in a rehabilitation setting.
Neurorehabilitation 01/2009; 24(1):29-36. · 1.63 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Objectives: This study examines the effects of objective (level of engagement) and subjective (discrepancy between importance of work and the degree to which work needs are met) indicators of employment on self-reported psychological well-being, quality of life (QoL), and depression for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Community-based research and training center. Participants: 317 individuals with self-reported TBI under the age of 65 were included in analysis. Main Outcome Measures: Living Life After Traumatic Brain Injury (LLATBI; 1998), Flanagan Scale of Needs (J. C. Flanagan, 1982), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; A. T. Beck, R. Steer, & G. Brown, 1996). Results: Only 21% of the present sample experienced similar levels of pre- and postinjury employment. Multiple regressions revealed significant relationships between demographic, objective, and subjective employment indicators and perceived QoL and depression. In addition, significant increments in QoL and depression variance were accounted for by subjective indicators of employment per se. Conclusions: Subjective indicators are additional important measures when assessing the rehabilitation needs and planning treatment for individuals with TBI, as they contribute to further improvements in their QoL and mood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Rehabilitation Psychology 10/2008; 53(4):456-463. · 1.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To explore the rates of suicidal ideation (SI) in a sample of community-dwelling adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to assess the relationship between SI and demographic and injury characteristics, pre- and postinjury psychiatric history, and psychosocial functioning.
Data were collected from a cohort study focused on health, psychosocial functioning, and community integration post-TBI (N = 356). Participants were individuals with mild to severe TBI living in the community.
The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) was used to assess SI. Psychiatric functioning was assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) (DSM-IV) Axis I disorders (SCID-I), and psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Life-3, the Flanagan Scale of Unmet Needs, and the Bigelow Quality of Life Questionnaire.
There were no differences in SI endorsement based on gender, age, race, income, education, injury severity, or length of time since injury. Those who met current criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder reported SI more frequently. Those with SI reported significantly lower psychosocial functioning.
Individuals with TBI from all demographic groups and with injuries of varying severity are at risk for SI and thus for emotional distress and suicidal behavior. Screening for SI is indicated in all individuals with TBI, particularly those with a history of premorbid substance misuse and concurrent mood and anxiety disorders. The importance of interventions to maximize social support and reduce social isolation is discussed.
The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation 26(4):265-75. · 2.39 Impact Factor
