Testing a model of resilience in family members of relatives with Traumatic Brain Injury vs Spinal Cord Injury: Multigroup analysis

Abstract

<p><h3>Objective</h3></p> <p>To test a model comprising explanatory (neurologic impairment, coping, personality) and mediating (resilience, self-efficacy, hope, social support) variables on psychological adjustment and burden among family caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) vs spinal cord injury (SCI). <h3>Design</h3></p> <p>Structural equation modeling with multigroup analysis. <h3>Setting</h3></p> <p>Six rehabilitation centers across New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. <h3>Participants</h3></p> <p>A total of 181 family members (N=181; 131 TBI, 50 SCI). <h3>Interventions</h3></p> <p>Not applicable. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3></p> <p>Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Herth Hope Scale, Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey; and 4 measures of psychological adjustment including: Caregiver Burden Scale, Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36), General Health Questionnaire-28, and Positive and Negative Affect Scale. <h3>Results</h3></p> <p>The model for the aggregated sample demonstrated a very good model fit (χ²=47.42, df=39, ρ=0.167, normed fit index=.962, incremental fit index=.993, Tucker-Lewis index=.985, comparative fit index=.993, root-mean-squared error of approximation=.035). Multi-group analysis found significant commonalities in the pattern of relationships among variables across the 2 groups. In the only differences found, neuroticism was significantly more influential on burden in family members supporting individuals with TBI than family members of individuals with SCI. Furthermore, problem-focused coping was statistically more influential on positive affect in family members of individuals with TBI when compared with family members of individuals with SCI. <h3>Conclusions</h3></p> <p>The study found significant similarities in the patterns of resilience and psychological adjustment among family caregivers of individuals with TBI and SCI.</p>