From Isolation to Connection: A Dyadic Approach to Enhancing Health After TBI
Washington University School of Medicine
Summary
Many people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) struggle to stay connected with others. They often lose friendships, become isolated, and have strained family relationships. This lack of social support is linked to worse physical and mental health, lower quality of life, and even a shorter lifespan. The investigators developed a program where a person with TBI and one close supporter work together with a therapist over 12 weekly sessions. They learn skills in communication, setting shared goals, supporting each other emotionally, and problem-solving, with occasional guidance from a peer mentor who has been through a similar experience. This study will determine whether the program is practical to deliver. We are conducting a pilot study with 30 pairs of participants to test whether sessions run smoothly, whether people show up and stay engaged, and whether participants find the program worthwhile. Based on what they learn, the investigators will refine this program before testing it on a larger scale. If successful, this could lead to a practical, low-risk intervention that improves the lives of people with TBI and the family members and friends who support them.
Description
People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience poor long-term health and daily life participation, yet current rehabilitation approaches fail to meaningfully improve these outcomes. Social support is closely associated with daily life participation and a range of physical and mental health outcomes. Further, it is an important protective factor against functional decline, chronic disease, mental illness, and early mortality. While social support is important for quality of life, few rehabilitation interventions leverage it as a mechanism for improving outcomes. People with TBI have partic…