| Summary: | <p>Utilizing qualitative research methods, this study
explored and then described perceptions of quality of life
among six adults with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), living
in or near Regina, Saskatchewan. Theoretical frameworks
regarding quality of life, disablement and sense of
coherence were employed. Participants were 2-8 years postinjury.
Each participated in three in-depth interviews,
which followed an open-ended question format.</p>
<p>Data were transcribed and then analyzed, resulting in
complex and thick descriptions of participants' perceptions
of quality of life. Losses due to the injury affected all
aspects of their lives. They had fewer friends, and
difficulty integrating into the community. There were fewer
educational and work options, and less financial security.
They relied on family to meet many of their needs.</p>
<p>Participants also had a greater recovery than expected.
All saw continued improvement. They recognized that life
could be both better and worse. The perception of how good
their lives were depended on a) what they were comparing it
to, b) their attitude towards their lives, and c) what was
currently happening to them.</p>
<p>An exploration of personal attitudes and internal
resources for living led to an examination of why people
perceived their quality of life positively or negatively.
This linkage between Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence and
Quality of Life was a significant finding, and warrants
further study.</p>
<p>For the participants, quality of life was a highly
individualized concept. Quality of life went beyond the
traditional dimensions, to include those aspects that allow
a person to feel good, account for life experiences and
circumstances, and allow for hopefulness.</p>
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