Psychosocial outcomes and coping after complete avulsion traumatic brachial plexus injury

To understand psychosocial outcomes, coping and adjustment after complete avulsion traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI). We conducted a grounded theory analysis of 12 semi-structured patient interviews exploring psychosocial outcomes, augmented by quantitative evaluation of self-reported mental he...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inDisability and rehabilitation Vol. 37; no. 2; p. 135
Main Authors Franzblau, Lauren, Chung, Kevin C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.01.2015
Subjects
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Aged
Brachial Plexus - injuries
Depression - epidemiology
Emotions
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Self Report
Stress, Psychological - epidemiology
Surveys and Questionnaires
brachial plexus
psychosocial factors
outcomes
Adaptation
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Summary:To understand psychosocial outcomes, coping and adjustment after complete avulsion traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI). We conducted a grounded theory analysis of 12 semi-structured patient interviews exploring psychosocial outcomes, augmented by quantitative evaluation of self-reported mental health and social functioning, body image and coping strategies obtained via three questionnaires (SF-36, Brief COPE and modified SWAP). Subjects' main sources of psychological stress were chronic pain, unemployment, decreased self-efficacy and social-emotional consequences of poor body image. One third of participants reported depression, half experienced anger and frustration and two-thirds were dissatisfied with the appearance of their affected limbs. Acceptance, active coping, planning and emotional support were the most frequently used coping strategies. Patients encounter high levels of physical and psychological stress after complete avulsion BPI and must find ways to cope to adjust to their injuries. They face similar challenges to patients with spinal cord injuries, for whom many models describing coping and adjustment exist. Similar models could facilitate more complete adjustment and rehabilitation of BPI patients and help to reduce the prevalence of negative stress responses, including anger and depression. Future patients would benefit from a multidisciplinary treatment program, involving medical and mental health services.
ISSN:1464-5165
DOI:10.3109/09638288.2014.911971