Peer-reviewed article
The Influence of the Family Functioning and Social Relationships on Child Participation After Traumatic Brain Injury
Libby Crook, Jessica Salley Riccardi, Jennifer P. Lundine, Angela Ciccia ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined how family functioning and social relationships affect children's participation in activities after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers analysed data from 44 school-aged children an average of 2.65 years after their TBI. They found that children with TBI often experience ongoing restrictions in their ability to participate in daily activities, and that family functioning plays an important role in these outcomes. The authors recommend that healthcare professionals provide family-focused follow-up services to support better long-term outcomes for children recovering from TBI.
Key points
- 44 children with TBI were included in the cross-sectional analysis
- Statistically significant correlations were found between child participation, family functioning, and child characteristics
- School-aged children with TBI experience chronic participation restrictions
- Family functioning is associated with participation challenges after TBI
- Family-based interventions are recommended as part of follow-up services
Limitations
This is a secondary analysis using cross-sectional data, which cannot establish causation. The sample size is small (n=44) and the study is limited to one country, which may limit generalisability of findings.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe the relationship amongst child and family characteristics (e.g. social relationships, family functioning) and child participation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) an average of 2.65 years post-TBI (SD = 2.12). METHOD: Cross-sectional, secondary analysis of data collected as part of a larger research project. RESULTS: = 44 children with TBI. Analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between child participation, family functioning, and child characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: School-aged children with TBI might experience chronic participation restrictions, associated with challenges in family functioning. Professionals can support children with TBI and their families through follow-up services that include a focus on family-based interventions to better support long-term outcomes for this population.