Interdisciplinary Supports and Quality of Life for Transition-Aged Youth and Young Adults with Concussions

Date of Award

8-1-2024

Degree Name

Ed.S. in School Psychology

Department

Department of Counselor Education and Human Services

Advisor/Chair

Susan Davies

Abstract

The current study examined the experiences of young adults who sustained concussions, with regard to their encounters with interdisciplinary treatment approaches and the subsequent impact on their recovery process. Young adults often pursue post-secondary education, working, or both, and return to learn/work protocols are often not well managed or non-existent for individuals with concussions. There is also a general lack of understanding as to how a concussion may manifest in the young adult’s life, both with short-term and long-term difficulties. Using a mixed method research design, the effectiveness of interdisciplinary concussion treatment methods on participant quality of life was investigated by measuring quality of life before and after injury using the Quality of Life After Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) questionnaire. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to analyze mean differences in six quality of life domain scores pre- and post-interdisciplinary treatment. Findings suggest that quality of life for young adult participants statistically significantly increased in the areas of cognition and daily functioning and independence, while other areas (view of self, social relationships, physical problems, and current feelings) were not statistically different post-treatment. Qualitative analysis of individual interviews with young adults who have undergone such treatments identified several broad themes related to challenges and successes in their recovery journeys. When identifying challenges, themes included a decline in functioning after injury, delays in or lack of care, and feeling the need to push through difficulties. When identifying facilitators, themes included receiving helpful interdisciplinary treatment strategies, feeling empowered by recovery progress, and receiving support from family, friends, and professionals. Implications regarding the findings and continued concussion research are discussed.

Keywords

Concussion; interdisciplinary treatment; young adults; quality of life

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2024, author.

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