Date of Submission

2012

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A DiThomaso, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Elizabeth Gosch, PhD, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Petra Kottsieper, PhD

Third Advisor

Mary Brownsberger, PsyD, ABPP

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes among individuals with acquired brain injury who received treatment at a postacute brain injury rehabilitation program over a 3-year period (2008 to 2010). Participation in community and/or social roles, supervision required, and adaptive functioning outcomes were evaluated in a sample of 109 adults (71% male, 29% female; 88.1% White, 11.9% non-White; 67.9% injured at 18 years of age or older, 32.1% injured at under 18 years of age). Contrary to the hypotheses, there was a statistically significant increase in adaptive functioning and supervision required scores, suggesting increasing impairment over time. Though statistically significant, these results may not be clinically significant. There was no difference in participation over time. Results indicated no significant difference in outcome across gender, age at injury, or ethnicity. The results of this study highlight the importance of considering time since injury as a confound in brain injury research and statistical versus clinical significance when interpreting research findings.

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