Finding the New Normal: Accepting Changes After Combat-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Over 300,000 soldiers returned from Iraq and Afghanistan with combat-related mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs).
• mTBI symptoms significantly impact soldiers' physical and cognitive functioning, hindering post-injury reintegration.
• Family dynamics are crucial in the recovery and adaptation process for service members with mTBI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the family reintegration experiences of married couples where one partner sustained a combat-related mTBI.
• To understand the perceptions of both soldiers and their spouses regarding life after mTBI.
• To identify factors influencing successful family adaptation post-mTBI.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed.
• Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine soldiers with mTBI and their spouses.
• A total of 27 joint and individual interviews were analyzed to capture diverse perspectives.

Main Results:

• The central theme identified was the struggle to establish a "new normal" post-mTBI.
• A "new normal" was defined as the couple's redefined expectations for family routines and unit functioning.
• Participants exhibited varied responses, with some accepting changes and others striving to return to pre-injury life.

Conclusions:

• Interventions should focus on addressing mismatched expectations between partners after mTBI.
• Promoting the acceptance of a "new normal" can facilitate better family reintegration.
• Support for military families coping with mTBI is essential for improved outcomes.