Spirituality and its relationship with positive adjustment following traumatic brain injury: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the extent of research which has investigated spirituality or closely related meaning-making constructs after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design: A scoping review was employed to capture the broadest possible range of studies.

Methods: Search terms 'spirituality', 'religion', 'beliefs', 'faith', 'hope', 'meaning', 'purpose in life', 'sense of coherence' and 'posttraumatic growth' were combined with search terms related to TBI. Findings were restricted to empirical studies published in English, in peer-reviewed journals and conducted over a 20-year period between 1997 and 2016.

Results: Nine studies were identified, conducted in the USA, Canada and the UK. These included eight quantitative studies and one qualitative study. Definitions and measurement of spirituality varied widely among the studies. Findings revealed that spirituality was closely related to a number of positive outcomes following TBI including psychological coping, physical health, mental health, productivity, life satisfaction, functional independence and posttraumatic growth.

Conclusions: The limited research conducted into spirituality following TBI suggests it can play an important role in the recovery process. Further research is necessary to identify the particular spiritual needs of this population, and how clinical staff may be supported to address such needs.

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury; adjustment; quality of life; religion; spirituality.