Self-Identity Reconstruction in Veterans and Military Service Members After Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Over 300,000 military service members (MSMs) have returned from recent military conflicts with traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting in changed self-identity. Discrepancy between previous and current self-identity can lead to self-defeating behaviors such as addiction and homelessness. Numerous studies of self-identity reconstruction (SIR) have been conducted in the civilian population but little is known about Veteran and MSMs (VMSMs) experiences and needs. OBJECTIVES: Explore aspects of SIR that are unique to VMSMs to determine how the process can be enhanced by the rehabilitation experience. METHODS: A one-year qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of Veterans and MSMs (VMSMs) (n=20) with moderate to severe TBI who were admitted to a polytrauma rehabilitation program in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). RESULTS: Self-identity discrepancies were reported by all participants. These discrepancies were largely based on experienced deficits (i.e., speech, cognition) and the more global effect of the accident (i.e., loss of life role, fear of motor vehicles). The rehabilitation experience, including individualized care and feelings of connection with peers and rehabilitation staff, influenced participants SIR. Self-identity reconstruction process included a series of phases including acceptance of new realities, exploring possibilities, contemplation, planning and connection to self, family and friends. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest VMSM SIR is a complex, extended process that may continue for many years. Rehabilitation staff may benefit from education on their role in coconstructing individualized care and connection with VMSM SIR. The VHA rehabilitation experience empowers VMSM to orchestrate their own successful, long-term living with TBI.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 10, 2018
Accession Number
AD1128500

Entities

People

  • Christine Melillo

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Brain
  • Brain Injuries
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Craniocerebral Trauma
  • Data Analysis
  • Disability Administration
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Families (Human)
  • Head Injuries
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Mental Health
  • Mental Processes
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Pain
  • Psychology
  • Rehabilitation
  • Therapy
  • Theses
  • Training
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Word Processors

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.