The role of self-discrepancy theory in understanding post-traumatic brain injury affective disorders: a pilot study

J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2005 Nov-Dec;20(6):527-43. doi: 10.1097/00001199-200511000-00005.

Abstract

This pilot study examined the utility of self-discrepancy theory (SDT) in explaining post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) depression and anxiety. The SDT model was expanded to include the discrepancy between the postinjury self and the preinjury self. Study participants were 21 individuals with mild to severe TBI residing in the community, who completed the Selves Interview, the Selves Adjective Checklist, the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Strong correlations were found between affective distress and self-discrepancies, as measured by the checklist. Scores on the interview were not related to affective distress. The findings suggest that further research is merited to examine the utility of the SDT in addressing issues of post-TBI depression and anxiety.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology
  • Depressive Disorder / rehabilitation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mood Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mood Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mood Disorders / etiology
  • Mood Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Personality Inventory
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Sampling Studies
  • Self Concept
  • Self-Assessment*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index