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Adapting multiple-family group treatment for brain and spinal cord injury intervention development and preliminary
Martina L Rodgers1, Anne D Strode, Diane M Norell
1Psychology Department, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA.
Objective:
There is a need for interventions that assist in managing the multiple adjustments of persons with spinal cord and brain injuries and their families. The purpose of the present field-initiated development project was to adapt a family psychoeducation model, multiple-family group treatment (MFGT), for persons with brain and spinal cord injury and their families.
Design:
The experiences of survivors and caregivers in MFGT were evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods. Twenty-seven survivors and 28 caregivers participated in MFGT for 12-18 mos. Reliable and valid quantitative measures were used to assess a variety of target outcomes. Additionally, semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with participants.
Results:
Survivors reported a decrease in depressive symptoms and anger expression toward others as well as an increase in life satisfaction. Caregivers reported a significant reduction in burden. The themes derived from the qualitative analysis addressed the normalization of the caregiving experience, importance of socialization, improvement in a variety of coping skills, and education about the injuries.
Conclusions:
The findings support the adaptation of MFGT for brain and spinal cord injuries.
