Role of valued living and associations with functional outcome following traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Valued living (VL) is associated with improved enjoyment and engagement with daily activities despite negative emotional state or ongoing pain. However, the role of VL in recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI) has yet to be investigated. This study aimed to examine changes in VL over the course of recovery and variables associated with VL. Participants with moderate-to-severe TBI were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital in three cohorts: "Early" (n = 25), "Mid" (n = 9) and "Late" (n = 36) post-TBI. All participants were assessed at time of recruitment and 12 months later. The main measure was the Valued Living Questionnaire. Compared to pre-injury estimates, VL was significantly reduced at 12 months post-injury. Levels of VL remained reduced between 2 and 3 years and increased between 3 and 6 years post-injury. VL was strongly associated with improved functional and psychosocial outcomes. Changes in VL occur over at least 3-5 years post-injury, with 12 months post-TBI a suitable time for intervention given VL remains low over the next 24 to 36 months post injury. Targeted intervention to modify values and/or valued activities to be consistent with post-injury capacity could improve rates of return to pre-injury levels of VL.