Pre- and post-accident employment and employment-related factors following traumatic brain injury : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

Abstract

A total of forty individuals, from three rehabilitation centres in the Auckland area, participated in an exploratory study on return to work following traumatic brain injury. All of the participants were employed in some capacity prior to their injuries. Eleven of these individuals had not returned to work, and twenty-seven individuals had returned to work post-injury. Twelve of the latter group did not sustain their employment. Data analyses revealed that groups of participants did not differ significantly with respect to self-assessments of pre-injury job satisfaction, job performance, and job importance. However, with respect to post-injury job importance, significant differences were found between individuals who were not employed, those who unsuccessfully returned to work, and those who were currently employed post-injury. Single individuals had higher ratings of post-injury job performance, than partnered individuals. The majority of participants considered emotional support from families important for a successful return to work. Conversely, functional support from employers was considered important by more participants than emotional support. Nine employers of the individuals with traumatic brain injury who were surveyed completed employers questionnaires. The implications of the survey results for the coordination and planning of rehabilitation programmes are explored.