A longitudinal study of family functioning after TBI and relatives' emotional status

The objectives of the study were to examine family functioning and relatives' emotional state after traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to test a model of the relationship between neurobehavioural status, family functioning and relatives' emotional status at two and five years post-injury. The relatives of 98 adult individuals who had sustained severe TBI were followed up 2 and 5 years post-injury and completed the Family Assessment Device, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and rated the neurobehavioural status (cognitive, behavioural, emotional, social) of their injured relative, using the Structured Outcomes Questionnaire. A structural equation model, based on existing research, was developed and tested on 66 of the participants. The level of family functioning and the rates of clinically relevant levels of anxiety and depression did not change over time (p > .05). The starting path model was revised. The final model had an excellent fit, χ(2)(16) = 15.20, p = .51; CFI = 1.00, RMSEA < .001, p for test of close fit = .66. In this model, poor family functioning and symptoms of anxiety and depression in the relatives were predicted by behavioural and mood changes in the injured individual. The relationship between family functioning and relatives' mood was reciprocal. The findings suggest the need for timely investigation and institution of interventions. Support is needed both for individual family members in dealing with their emotional distress as well as for the family as a whole, with the aim of maximising quality of life for those with TBI and their relatives.