Abstract

LOPEZ DE ARROYABE CASTILLO, Elena  and  CALVETE ZUMALDE, Esther. Acquired brain injury: family perceptions of the sequels and their psychological distress. Clínica y Salud [online]. 2013, vol.24, n.1, pp.27-35. ISSN 2174-0550.  https://dx.doi.org/10.5093/cl2013a4.

This study aimed at assessing family´s perception of the problems of the person affected by an acquired brain injury and its association with their own symptoms of stress, depression, and grief. A sample of 223 family members (primary caregivers) participated in the study. We developed an inventory of 36 sequels structured into 6 factors: Cognitive and Sensory Deficits, Personality Changes, Dependency, Decreased Activity, Emotional Disorders, and Diminished Social Perception and Self-awareness. The results showed that the pe rceived sequels have relatively little impact on the caregivers´ distress. The sequels with greater association to psychological symptoms were Dependence, which was associated with current feelings of grief, and Diminished Activity, which was associated with involuntary stress responses of approach and withdrawal. These data contradict the literature that supports a causal relation between perceived symptoms and stress in relatives, suggesting other factors involved.

Keywords : Acquired Brain Injury (ABI); Sequels; Perception; Family Stress.

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