This thesis describes and explores the nature of self-reference and self-conscious emotional processes in men who have survived a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine male survivors of TB I (aged 22 to 59 years), which encouraged them to talk freely of their experience of surviving a TB!. Transcriptions of these accounts were then analysed, using thematic analysis, to identify dominant themes related to their described emotional experience of self in the social world. A detailed description of the analytical approach adopted is discussed in relation to methodological rigour in terms of transparency and coherence of the process, commitment in engagement with the topic and in the resulting completeness of the data collection and analysis process. The findings generated themes of 'abnormality', 'hidden', 'old-me, new me' and 'others treat me differently', which were related to the men's emotional experience and themes of responses to experiences such as 'self-criticism', 'need to be as others want me to be' and 'withdrawal'. These themes were supplemented by some of the men's identified alternative narratives of 'positive growth' through acceptance from others and themselves following injury. The findings are discussed "' in relation to current understanding on the emotional processes and sources of emotional distress for men following TB I, with consideration of the study's context and potential gender and cultural influences on said narratives. The preliminary nature of these findings is highlighted, while recommendations for future research and the consideration of clinical implications for neuropsychological rehabilitation are explored.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:551237 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Freeman, Anita |
| Publisher | University of East Anglia |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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