SMR

SMR Form in My Research Methods

SMR form in my Research Methods

3.1 Advancing Scientific Knowledge

3.1.1 Background for the study

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important public health problem in the United States. TBI is frequently referred to as the “silent epidemic” because the complications from TBI, such as changes affecting thinking, sensation, language, or emotions, may not be readily apparent. In addition, awareness about TBI among the general public is limited. (Granacher, 2007).

3.1.2 Previous Research

Traumatic brain injury can result from external physical shocks, such as those potentially experienced in automobile accidents, explosions, or blows to the head. The severity of such an injury may range from mild (i.e., a brief change in mental state or consciousness) to severe (i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury) and can cause temporary or permanent impairments of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions. (LaPlaca, 2007) Cognitive rehabilitation therapy is one form of therapy available for patients with traumatic brain injury, who as a result of their injury suffer from cognitive deficits such as memory loss or attention problems. Individuals with traumatic brain injury often need a variety of therapeutic interventions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychotherapy, vocational therapy and pharmacologic therapy (Boake, 2005).

3.2 Theoretical Implications

There is clear evidence that the symptoms of chronic illness or pain, such as those listed above, will change the way people relate to themselves and those closest to them. (Boake, 2005) Despite the centrality of the topic, many families refrain from talking about their most important issues for fear that discussion will create alienation, blame, guilt and/or rejection. This combination of ambiguity and secrecy compounds the problem and is particularly evident in couple relationships (Marion, 1999).

3.3 Practical Implications

Our extensive clinical experience with the impact of MTBI suggests that subjects with MTBI frequently develop a sense of loss of self. This loss of self can be attributed to their new physical and emotional deficits that profoundly alter their family and social interactions. The sense of loss of self and resulting identity ambiguity experienced by a family member with MTBI creates a sense of boundary ambiguity in both the couple and the family (Granacher, 2007).

4. Contributions to the Field

Yes this research makes the contribution in the field of Phenomenology & Generic Qualitative Research. Phenomenology seeks to describe basic lived experience. As a research method it is the study of essences. Research using phenomenology seeks to uncover the meanings in our everyday existence. Phenomenology is both the "description of the lived-through quality of lived experience and the description of meaning of the expressions of lived experience (Landau, 2008).

5: Methodology Details

5.1 Purpose of the Study

Yes the purpose of the study is clearly stated. It explores the relationship between identity ambiguity on the part of the individual with MTBI and boundary ambiguity on the part of the family system and whether these correlate with ambiguous loss (Landau, 2008).

5.2 Research Methodology

Qualitative research is much more subjective than quantitative research and uses very different ...