Abstract. Study
Goals: lTo pilot test
(evaluate rather than pilot test) family functioning measures with
families of TBI lTo investigate the associations between family stress and burden,
parental coping, child behavior and functioning, and injury severity.lUltimately, to
enhance the quality of life of families by finding ways to help families cope
more effectively with their pediatric TBI. BackgroundlApproximately 200,000 children are hospitalized each
year; 40,000 with moderate to severe brain injury.lThese brain
injuries often result in significant lifestyle changes for the family as well
as the patient. Commonly, families of children with TBI face ongoing challenges
impacting the entire family emotionally, financially and socially.–Family roles, responsibilities, and
interactions often change when caring for a child with TBI.–Families with children who have a TBI
often experience feelings of loss and may have difficulty coping with the
challenges of adjusting to life after injury.–Due to a need for increased care for the child with the injury,
less attention may be given to their siblings.–Siblings may need time to adjust to the new family situation and
sometimes experience emotional, social, and academic problems.lWhile historically
providers limited attention to physical aspects of brain injury, recent trends
emphasize the importance of family functioning and its relationship to patient
rehabilitation. DATA
ANALYSIS The data from
23 subjects is described and the results from simple significant correlations
presented. DISCUSSION Preliminary correlations reveal
some significant relationships between the variables measured. Increasing the number of subjects will be
helpful in improving the power of the analysis to help clarify the results and
direct future research.