There is general agreement between researchers and clinicians alike th
at relatives of people with head injuries experience heightened stress
as a result of the injury and its consequences. In the present study
a single structured interview, including both verbally administered an
d written response questionnaires, was completed by 1.8 parents and 11
partners. Measures included the Daily Hassles and Uplifts Scale, the
Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule and questions regarding role
change and health problems. The combined parents and partners group i
ndicated that they experienced moderate levels of stress and role chan
ge. A relatively small proportion of participants reported experiencin
g health problems. Partners indicated a slightly higher degree of stre
ss and a greater degree of role change than parents, and a larger prop
ortion of partners indicated the presence of health problems. Qualitat
ive differences between the two groups were found in terms of sources
of stress. There was little quantitative or qualitative difference bet
ween the two groups in sources, utilization of and satisfaction with s
ocial support. Positive correlations were found between stress and rol
e change and stress and health problems.