Relatives' perceptions of role change, social support and stress after traumatic brain injury

There is general agreement between researchers and clinicians alike that relatives of people with head injuries experience heightened stress as a result of the injury and its consequences. In the present study a single structured interview, including both verbally administered and written response questionnaires, was completed by 18 parents and 11 partners. Measures included the Daily Hassles and Uplifts Scale, the Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule and questions regarding role change and health problems. The combined parents and partners group indicated that they experienced moderate levels of stress and role change. A relatively small proportion of participants reported experiencing health problems. Partners indicated a slightly higher degree of stress and a greater degree of role change than parents, and a larger proportion of partners indicated the presence of health problems. Qualitative differences between the two groups were found in terms of sources of stress. There was little quantitative or qualitative difference between the two groups in sources, utilization of and satisfaction with social support. Positive correlations were found between stress and role change and stress and health problems.