Marital adjustment and stability following traumatic brain injury: a pilot qualitative analysis of spouse perspectives.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), causing various impairments and functional changes, may adversely impact marital relationships. However, dynamics of the interactions that contribute to these marital difficulties are complex and poorly understood. There has been little research on marital quality and stability in families of a person with TBI.

Objective: By identifying themes of marital adjustment and stability, this qualitative exploratory study examines how a spouse who has experienced TBI affects the marital relationship.

Methods: Two gender-specific focus groups, each with 5 spouses of individuals living with the effects of TBI, were conducted to collect data on marital interactions that were analyzed for themes related to marital adjustment and stability. The data were analyzed using grounded theory, and then relational theories were applied as a framework for organizing the metacodes and concepts.

Results: This study suggests that, after TBI, changes in family dynamics and the way spouses perceive those dynamics affect movement toward pulling together or pulling apart.

Conclusion: Changes in spousal perceptions, interactions, responsibilities, and reactions to brain injury may impact marital stability and satisfaction. Further study is warranted to better understand and determine whether and how awareness of these changes may be incorporated into treatment.