Traumatic Brain Injury Caregiving: Described Experiences of Interventions and Positivity in Northern Nevada

Abstract

Traumatic brain injuries and their sequela impact the untrained and unprepared, primary relationship partner caregiver. Efficacious interventions should be wanted and targeted for TBI caregivers, but specific needs and wants are not known. Additionally, Positive Psychology knowingly contributes to happiness and well-being, especially during difficult life transitions, but which interventions promote positivity and well-being in caregivers? In answer, this study explored how TBI partners describe their experiences of interventions and positivity, during the post-acute care phase of recovery. Ten partner caregivers were recruited from three brain injury treatment/support sites in N. NV, for this qualitative descriptive study. 20 semi-structured, individual interviews, including responses to a positively focused intervention (Signature Strengths Survey), generated meaningful data. Reflexive thematic analysis supported five final themes with 18 subthemes. Study results detail what brain injury caregiving partners find efficacious and contributing to positivity, as well as unhelpful and interfering with positively focused caregiving. Helpful interventions, and reasons for ineffective interventions, are identified. The implications of this study confirm that positively focused interventions support successful brain injury caregiving. Future research and practice should replicate and promote the effective interventions identified, to caregivers, at the time of injury. Effective interventions and needs for interventional remediation are detailed.