Emotional adjustment following traumatic brain injury: A stress appraisal-coping formulation

This article conceptualizes emotional adjustment to traumatic brain injury (TBI) within a stress-appraisal-coping (SAG) model. In this model the emotional adjustment of the individual with TBI is seen as a response to neuropsychological symptoms and associated losses. This response is mediated, however, by the individual's coping skills, social support, and appraisal (insight). Evidence regarding the course of emotional dysfunction following TBI and the role of mediating variables is reviewed and found to provide strong preliminary support for the model. In addition, the effects of neuropsychological symptoms on mediators of emotional adjustment are discussed. Finally, the implications of the SAC model for rehabilitation are discussed and recent rehabilitation outcome findings presented.