PhD Defence Brenda van den Broek

Keywords: Acquired brain injury, partner relationships, social cognition
 

"Crucial connections: The consequences of acquired brain injury and their effect on partner relationships"
 

The consequences of acquired brain injuries can have a profound impact on daily life, affecting not only the individuals who experience them but also their loved ones. In addition, these consequences often strain relationships, especially between those living with a brain injury and their partners, while these relationships are crucial to the well-being of both.  

This dissertation therefore focused on exploring how brain injuries influence relationships, specifically highlighting the role of social cognition problems—difficulties in understanding and responding to others’ thoughts and feelings. Problems in this area were found to cause relationship difficulties. The research emphasizes the need for clinicians to address social cognition problems and to consider partner relationships in their treatment. 

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