A multimodal support group with Hispanic traumatic brain injury survivors

Abstract

Objectives: (a) To design and pilot a culturally sensitive and neuropsychologically informed support group addressing barriers to emotional, social, and vocational adjustment among high-level functioning Hispanic/Latino TBI survivors. (b) To determine efficacy through outcome measures.

Intervention: Ten-week multimodal, culturally sensitive support group focusing on TBI sequelae education, relaxation techniques, coping skills development, behavioral goal setting and monitoring, and family participation.

Participants: Six Spanish-speaking high-level functioning TBI survivors aged 20-42.

Setting: Outpatient neuropsychological assessment and treatment center.

Outcome measures: Beck Hopelessness Scale; Purpose in Life Test; Perceived Self-Regulatory Ability Inventory.

Results: Participants' sense of personal destiny and feelings of hopelessness improved, as evidenced by objective measures and self-report. A telephone interview a year later indicated that gains had been maintained, and most participants were vocationally active.

Conclusions: Results underscore the importance of considering linguistic and ethnic factors in developing support groups.