Exploring the Importance of Identity Following Acquired Brain Injury: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Life following acquired brain injury (ABI) for survivors and their families is often accompanied by experiences of tremendous physical and emotional difficulties. Upon returning home from in-patient rehabilitation, many survivors struggle to maintain their intimate relationships, come to terms with their injuries, and ultimately build satisfying lives. Addressing the loss and reconstruction of identity for survivors and their families is emerging as a crucial component of rehabilitation following injury. This paper reviews the literature surrounding these phenomena from a social neuropsychology, cognitivepsychological, and psychosocial perspective. In doing so, the epistemological tensions between these perspectives are uncovered and examined. Finally, a summary of post-hospitalization strategies for addressing identity loss and (re)construction for both ABI survivors and their families are provided.