Male partner experiences of females with an acquired brain injury: An interpretative phenomenological analysis



Brunsden, Cara, Kiemle, Gundi and Mullin, Stephen
(2017) Male partner experiences of females with an acquired brain injury: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION, 27 (6). pp. 937-958.

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Abstract

Acquired brain injury (ABI) not only has an impact on the survivor, but also on the partner and personal relationships as a whole. The present study aimed to investigate the male partner experience of living with a female with an ABI; exploring role change, intimacy and future expectations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six male partners of five females with a subarachnoid haemorrhage and one female with a traumatic brain injury. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed in depth using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four main themes captured the male partner's lived experience; "Entering the unknown world of ABI", "Imprisoned by the ABI", "Compassion without self-compassion", and "Holding on to hope". The accounts uncovered the male partner's journey following ABI; the unpredictability, sorrow, frustration, and finally acceptance and commitment to their partner. They identified the limited support available for partners following ABI; the sense of feeling forgotten by services and the need for information and support in the acute stages. Rehabilitation needs to take a systemic and longer-term focus, supporting both the survivor and their partner through the journey of ABI.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Acquired brain injury, Male partners, Qualitative research, Relationships, Intimacy
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2015 10:01
Last Modified: 16 Dec 2022 02:17
DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2015.1109525
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/2007799