Balancing act: the influence of adaptability and cohesion on satisfaction and communication in families facing TBI in Mexico.

Much of what is known about family functioning in the face of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is based on research conducted in the United States. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe the levels of family adaptability, cohesion, communication, and satisfaction as reported by Mexican TBI survivors and their family caregivers, (2) test the hypothesis of the Circumplex Model that balanced families would exhibit better communication and greater satisfaction, and (3) explore how TBI survivors' and their family caregivers' perceptions of family adaptability and cohesion influenced their own and the other's perceptions of family communication and satisfaction. In the majority of dyads, both the TBI survivor and the family caregiver endorsed balanced family adaptability and cohesion. Both TBI survivors and their family caregivers reported a relatively high level of family communication and satisfaction. TBI survivors and family caregivers who reported greater levels of family adaptability and cohesion also endorsed better family communication and greater family satisfaction. In addition, individuals with TBI whose family caregiver endorsed balanced family adaptability and cohesion reported better family communication. Further, family caregivers of TBI survivors who reported balanced family adaptability and cohesion reported better family communication. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Marriage after brain injury: review, analysis, and research recommendations.

This critical review of the literature examines marriage after traumatic brain injury. Studies reporting information on marital stability rates and studies examining the quality of marriages through the assessment of at least 1 relational domain have been included for review. Available findings are presented along with information on methodological limitations and knowledge gaps. A rationale for the adoption of a marriage and family therapy framework to clarify remaining inconsistencies is presented. Furthermore, specific marriage and family therapy relational models and corresponding measurement instruments are outlined. Finally, suggestions for future research and potential implications for brain injury rehabilitation outcomes are discussed.