A scoping review on occupational and self identity after a brain injury.

OBJECTIVE

Persons with brain injury experience a shift in their self identity that is underpinned by work loss and changes to their worker role. However, little is known on how to assist a worker with a brain injury re-establish their occupational identity. Thus, the objective of this article is to present the results of a scoping review undertaken to examine the literature on occupational identity and self identity after a brain injury.

METHODS

A scoping review was performed using the keywords traumatic, acquired brain injury, occupational, and self identity. Articles were narrowed through three phases which involved reviewing articles to ensure a thorough discussion of identity after a brain injury was included and to highlight the research questions.

RESULTS

In total 16 articles and 3 theses were included. No articles were retrieved on occupational identity after a brain injury. Fourteen articles discussed the loss of self identity experienced after a brain injury while three articles highlighted rehabilitation programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Research indicates there are extensive changes to identity after a brain injury and this impacts returning to previous occupations. This knowledge can further our understanding of returning to occupations after a brain injury and the impact on occupational identity.