Analysis of factors influencing quality of life and dyadic coping levels in spouses of disabled patients after traumatic brain injury: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

The substantial caregiving burden associated with managing disabled patients following traumatic brain injury (TBI) imposes significant psychological and physical strain on spouses. Given that spousal well-being directly impacts patient recovery outcomes, family stability, and broader societal resilience, this study conducted a cross-sectional survey involving both TBI patients with disabilities and their spouses. The primary objective was to identify key determinants influencing dyadic coping efficacy among spouse caregivers.

METHOD: Participants completed the Dyadic Coping Inventory, Mutuality Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and Short-Form 36 Health Survey. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the independent factors associated with spouses' dyadic coping.

RESULTS

Mutuality level of spouses (β = .299, p = .003), caregiver burden (β = -.240, p = .003), and anxiety of patients (β = -.281, p = .003) were found to be significantly associated with dyadic coping for spouses of TBI patients with disability. The results of the Short-Form 36 Health Survey scale showed that spouses with low levels of dyadic coping had a correspondingly poor quality of life (r = .536, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

It is recommended to focus on the patient's anxiety, the spouse's perceived mutuality and the spouse's caregiving burden situation, and the intervention study's perspective could focus more on these three aspects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).