Date

4-26-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Richard Green

Keywords

emotion, cognitive, healing, knowledge, spiritual, traumatic brain injury, daily struggle, constructivism theory, behavioral approach systems theory

Disciplines

Counseling | Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of traumatic brain injury survivors, seeking to understand their lived experiences by examining the emotional, cognitive and spiritual daily experiences. The study participants were adult male and female survivors of a life altering moderate to severe traumatic brain injury who live within the United States of America. The theories guiding this study are Jean Piaget’s (1896-1980) Constructivism Theory and John Watson’s (1878-1958) Behavioral Approach Systems Theory. Jean Piaget believes that all cognitive development progresses towards complex levels of organization. When an individual acquires new knowledge, it is received, evaluated and processed through the lens of the old knowledge (Piaget, 1968). John Watson’s Behavioral Approach Theory believes that behavior is something that can be measured. Watson believes that the environment shapes the development of behavior in an individual and that behavior can be controlled and manipulated (Watson, 1930). For the purpose of this study, these theories provide relevant information concerning how individuals learn and process information surrounding their experiences with traumatic brain injury. Personal interviews were conducted using research questions designed to encourage information and personal sharing. An information gathering questionnaire provided additional detailed information about the emotional, cognitive, spiritual and daily lived experiences surrounding traumatic brain injury. Data analysis consisted of the dissection and analysis of collected themes, relationships, and patterns. The purpose of this study was to provide information and understanding surrounding the daily lived experiences of traumatic brain injury survivors in an effort to help clinicians and therapists serve their clients' personal healing process. The findings of this study point toward common themes in addition to certain character traits that either lead to greater or less dysregulation. Common emotional dysregulation experiences by traumatic brain injury survivors included depression, fear, and anxiety. Participants reported grasping for words, memory, and balance as the most difficult cognitive challenges. Spiritual responses varied based on the participants' previous relationship with God: if the participant was close to God prior to their traumatic brain injury, then they became closer to God through these experiences. If, however, the individual was distanced from God previous to the traumatic brain injury, then they become more distanced from God through this experience. The participants were asked to identify their most significant daily struggle. The data suggests that the participants struggled daily with emotional and physical fatigue, feelings that they are not themselves, and balance. Other study findings suggest that individuals who spend time and energy comparing their old life to their previous l

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