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Changes in overt aggression after traumatic brain injury as reported by brain-injured individuals and their close relatives

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International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health

Abstract

Impairments in cognitive functioning as well as ability to control emotion are common consequences of traumatic brain injury. The purpose of the present study was to determine if TBI results in changes in the level of reported overt aggression among injured individuals. Additionally, we compared the self-reports of injured individuals to those of close family members who acted as informants. The final goal was to discern whether injured individuals and/or their family members are more likely to report changes in aggression that occur at home or in social situations. Close relatives reported increases in the injured individuals' aggression from pre- to postinjury; the injured persons themselves did not report such increases. These reported increases were largely verbal in nature. We found no effect of context (home vs. social situations). We discuss implications of these findings for TBI individuals and their families.

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Parsons, J.P., Carpenter-Hyland, E., Burright, R.G. et al. Changes in overt aggression after traumatic brain injury as reported by brain-injured individuals and their close relatives. Int J Rehab Health 1, 275–284 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02214645

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