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Exploring the use of social comparison by individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury

Arenth, Patricia McSweeney
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1058809047

Abstract Details

2003, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Psychology.
This study explores the use of social comparison by individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBI) as part of the process of recovery and adjustment within the first year following injury. Two separate groups of participants were studied: The first group was surveyed within one month of discharge from treatment at an inpatient Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Unit at a large mid-western university medical center. The second group was surveyed at approximately 6 months post-discharge from the same facility. Groups were compared based on their responses to instruments measuring physical and mental health, need for comparison, subjective well-being (composed of satisfaction with life and positive and negative affectivity), and level of disability. Questions regarding support group participation were compared between groups. Subjects’ ratings of themselves as compared to others with TBI, as well as recollections of their physicians’ predictions of recovery were also assessed. Correlations from the present study were also compared with those presented in a model by VanderZee, Buunk, DeRuiter, Tempelar, VanSonderen & Sanderman (1996) which evaluated social comparison activity by individuals diagnosed with cancer. Results of the current study suggested that, despite significant levels of disability, individuals with TBI may make use of social comparison activity to maintain subjective well-being with some success, at least early in recovery. It appears that there may be factors that reduce the effectiveness of social comparison activity as time post injury progresses. Significant differences were not found between groups in terms of direction of comparison, however participants reported the use of downward comparison activity resulting in a positive affective response most frequently. Possible mediating factors, as well as implications for adjustment and support group participation are discussed. Findings suggested a fair match between the current study and the model presented by VanderZee et al. (1996). Possible reasons for the differences are discussed. Limitations of this study included sample size and possible demographic variables affected by setting and geography. Additional areas for future consideration are discussed.
Lyle Schmidt (Advisor)
89 p.
Social Comparison; Traumatic Brain Injury; Adjustment to Disability

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Arenth, P. M. (2003). Exploring the use of social comparison by individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1058809047

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Arenth, Patricia. Exploring the use of social comparison by individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury. 2003. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1058809047.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Arenth, Patricia. "Exploring the use of social comparison by individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1058809047

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1058809047
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© 2003, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.