Background:

Resilience, defined as the ability to maintain positive emotional experiences despite adverse events, is considered crucial in the rehabilitation post Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). This study aimed to validate the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) in a Spanish sample with ABI.

Method:

A sample of 338 individuals receiving specialized ABI services in Spain participated in this study. Participants completed the CD-RISC, along with measures of depression, social support, and quality of life (QoL).

Results:

A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the original five-factor model did not fully fit, prompting the exploration of alternative versions. A modified three-factor version and a 10-item unifactorial version showed a better fit. Resilience was positively correlated with higher QoL, social support, and satisfaction, and negatively with depression.

Conclusions:

This validation confirms that the Spanish version of the CD-RISC is a reliable tool for assessing resilience in individuals with ABI, highlighting its utility in clinical assessments and interventions.