SELF-REPORTED SOCIAL NETWORKS AND INTERPERSONAL SUPPORT 2 YEARS AFTERSEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Fifty-four patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) consecutively ad mitted to a rehabilitation hospital were examined 2 years post-injury. Social interaction and support, subjective complaints, and functional status were assessed. A large variability in social interaction and s upport patterns was found. Most patients had more interaction and rece ived more support from family members than from friends and neighbours . Thirty-one patients (57.4%) reported that their social networks had markedly declined subsequent to injury. Relatively short duration of c oma (<1 week) and severe sequelae in terms of low functional status an d poor emotional adjustment at follow-up, especially in terms of defic its in initiating behaviour, were found to be related to little intera ction and support. The importance of both provider and patient initiat ive in order to establish and preserve a social support network is sug gested, and clinical implications briefly discussed.