How brain injury and couples’ relationships study could shape better support

A new research study aims to look at the impact an acquired brain injury has on couples’ relationships in a bid to learn more about what support is needed.

The study ‘Exploring Couples’ Relationships after Brain Injury’ is sponsored by the University of Oxford and it aims to help improve support given to couples as they adapt to life after brain injury.

Chief investigator, Lawson Falshaw, says: “The researchers feel that this research is important to carry out because acquired brain injury impacts whole families. Although much research has been conducted into the experiences of people who experience an acquired brain injury, relatively less research has explored the ‘ripple effect’ on those surrounding the individual, such as partners.”

Study recruitment is due to finish at the end of June after which the data analysis will be conducted and the research team then hope to submit the paper to be published in order for the findings of the study to be shared more widely.

The response to the study has been positive. Lawson Falshaw says: “The project has been warmly received by those approached to take part and the researchers have been so heartened and encouraged by how many participants have been interested and have completed the survey so far.

“Whilst for some couples acquired brain injury may lead both partners to be closer, some couples may experience relationship difficulties after injury. Therefore, this study recognises that family members such as partners may sometimes be ‘invisible patients’ in neurorehabilitation services who may benefit from support after their partner’s injury.”

Participants are asked to complete four short questionnaires as part of the project:

• The BIRT Social Cognition Questionnaire, a measure of a partner’s social abilities after the brain injury
• The Relationship Assessment Scale to rate relationship satisfaction before the injury
• The Relationship Assessment Scale to rate relationship satisfaction after the injury
• The Birmingham Relational Continuity Measure, a questionnaire measuring change in the relationship after injury.

Lawson Falshaw adds: “It is hoped that the findings of the current study will demonstrate the need for support for couples after an acquired brain injury.

“The findings of this project may also tell us more about certain types of difficulties people may experience in social situations after acquired brain injury and which difficulties to target in rehabilitation to support couples to adjust to life after brain injury.”