Being restricted in participation after a traumatic brain injury is negatively associated by passive coping style of the caregiver

Purpose: To examine whether the caregivers' coping style is associated with the functional outcome of the traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient 1 year post-injury.

Method: A cross-sectional study among patients with a TBI, including their primary caregivers. The study included 51 patients aged 17-64 years with a moderate-to-severe TBI and 51 caregivers (23 parents and 28 partners) aged 23-67 years. The coping preferences of the caregivers were assessed at minimum 6 and maximum 12 months post-injury, by filling out the Utrecht Coping List (UCL) and were related to limitations in activity, as measured with the Frenchay Activities Index and with restrictions in participation as measured with the Sickness Impact Profile-68 of TBI patients 1 year post-injury. The patients were interviewed at their homes; the caregivers received and returned the UCL by mail.

Results: The patients' age and the caregivers' coping style are independently associated with restrictions in participation 1 year post-injury.

Conclusions: A passive coping style of the primary caregiver is negatively associated with the patient's functional outcome in terms of participation in society.