The role of the family for behavioral outcome in children and adolescents following traumatic brain injury

This study assessed the behavioral outcome of 51 children with traumatic br ain injury (TBT) up to 2 years following injury. Children with severe injur ies, but not those with mild or moderate injuries, were reported by parents to have a greater incidence of behavior problems following TBI. Regression analyses indicated that the presence of a partner for the primary caregive r of the child and the acute emotional reaction of the parent to the injury were both predictive of child behavioral outcome, although not by 2-year f ollow-up. These findings suggest that parental coping resources may impact on the development of child behavioral sequelae following TBI, emphasizing the role of the family in the child's response and the importance of suppor tive intervention.