Diurnal cortisol and coping responses in close relatives of persons with acquired brain injury: a longitudinal mixed methods study

Reference:

Turner-Cobb, J. M., Palmer, J., Aronson, D., Russell, L., Purnell, S., Osborn, M. and Jessop, D. S., 2010. Diurnal cortisol and coping responses in close relatives of persons with acquired brain injury: a longitudinal mixed methods study. Brain Injury, 24 (6), pp. 893-903.

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Official URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/02699051003789211

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• http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77952268102&partnerID=8YFLogxK

Abstract

Objective: To examine the impact of having a close relative experience a severe brain injury. Design: Six-month longitudinal mixed methods concurrent embedded study. Quantitative data provided the primary database and qualitative data provided the secondary source. Methods: Assessment included psychosocial factors of perceived stress, traumatic stress symptoms, coping and social support in addition to salivary cortisol as a biological marker of stress. Written accounts of the experience were provided in response to an open-ended question. Participants composed 15 close relatives of adults with severe brain injury admitted to a specialist rehabilitation facility (mean age 49.4 years; SD 11.79). Assessments were conducted on admission, at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-admission. Results: Quantitative data revealed high traumatic stress at admission, with a non-significant decline at follow-up. Diurnal cortisol output declined significantly from baseline to all follow-up assessments. Coping sub-scales of acceptance and religion were repeated associated with cortisol indices at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months follow-up. Qualitative data revealed two themes; 'relational impact' and 'passage of time'. Conclusions: Findings offer the potential for effective and timely intervention in family members of persons with severe brain injury.

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