Unseen battles: exploring the psychosocial challenges, coping mechanisms and resilience among caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects not only patients, but also primary caregivers and family members, impairing their psychological well-being, social roles, and health. Caregivers frequently experience interpersonal conflict, role obstacles, and stress-related health issues. Method: The study utilized a qualitative research approach, incorporating in-depth, semi-structured interviews to capture caregiver’s lived experiences. The study included eight caregivers of individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, selected using criterion-based purposive sampling. Caregivers were aged 18 years or above and had been providing care for a minimum of three months. Results: The findings of the study revealed that caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury faced substantial emotional, social, and financial difficulties. Caregivers reported fear, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, identity disruption, and career strain during critical caregiving phase. Despite these difficulties, they demonstrated resilience through spirituality, family support, emotional commitment and motivation from recovery milestones. Conclusion: Caregiving in traumatic brain injury involves substantial psychosocial burden alongside adaptive resilience. The findings emphasize the need for structured psychosocial, emotional, and financial support systems to reduce caregiver stress and enhance long-term well-being and sustainability.