Feasibility and efficacy of a group intervention to develop social support and resilience in family members of individuals with TBI.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the clinical utility of the Strength 2 Strength (S2S) program to compare the effectiveness of a 1-day intensive intervention to the 5-week intervention, with regard to improving resilience and social support in families and friends of persons with TBI.

METHODS

Thirty-three participants received the 1-day, 5-h intervention, and 32 participants received the 5-week, 2-h intervention. Eighteen participants were waitlist controls. Outcome measures included the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Family Resilience Scale, Social Provision Scale, and a 6-item questionnaire to assess satisfaction with the intervention and self-care.

RESULTS

Feasibility and efficacy of the S2S intervention was demonstrated. It did not increase resilience, but it kept social support stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The control group showed decreases in social support.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical utility of the program in friends and families of those with TBI was evident and prevented deterioration in social support. Participant satisfaction was supported by the small attrition rate. Similar effects were associated with the brief and longer versions of the intervention, indicating that this type of intervention was carried out in an efficient manner for those who are already struggling to juggle the many needs of being a care partner.