Community Participation and Life Satisfaction following Intensive, Community-Based Rehabilitation Using a Life Skills Training Approach

Abstract

This pilot study examined the effect of an intensive, community-based life skills training program on community integration and life satisfaction among individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Statistically significant improvements were found for subjects receiving intensive life skills training ( n = 18) on two of three Community Integration Questionnaire subscales at the follow-up evaluation, whereas no changes were found for a group of community-dwelling, demographically matched control subjects ( n = 18). No significant differences were found within or between groups on life satisfaction scores. However, pretreatment differences were present between groups on both community integration and life satisfaction. Findings of this study support community-based life skills training as a means to increase independence in home management and participation in productive activities for individuals with severe traumatic brain injuries.