Financial Management Activity Process: Qualitative inquiry of adults with acquired brain injury

Abstract

Background. Little is known about the financial management occupations of people living with brain injury, despite the importance of these to adult autonomy. Purpose. This work aims to develop a conceptual framework for financial management after adulthood acquired brain injury. Method. This qualitative study used grounded theory methods. Data included semistructured interviews of 10 adults living with brain injury and two close others who assist with financial management occupations. Analysis included initial and focused coding, memo writing, constant comparison, theoretical sampling of questions, and member checking. Findings. The Financial Management Activity Process conceptual framework describes a complex action process. This includes accounting for factors influencing financial choices and actions, and identifying and using a trusted personalized process, including using financial management strategies aligned with the constraints of factors. Implications. This conceptual framework may be useful to assessment and intervention development. It highlights the between-person and between-activity variability in financial management processes and strategy use.