Title: Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury | Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)
Headings: Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI Factsheets
Relationships After Traumatic Brain Injury
Introduction
Couples’ Relationships and TBI
How Are Relationships Typically Affected?
Responsibilities
What happens when responsibilities change?
Tips to improve relationship issues related to responsibility changes
Relationship Roles
How do relationship roles change?
What happens when relationship roles change?
Tips to improve relationships when roles have changed
Communication
For spouses:
For both people:
What happens when communication styles and patterns change?
Tips on improving a couple’s communication
Physical Intimacy/Sexual Relationships
Tips for Improving Intimate Relationships
Find a therapist
Try a support group
Finding a therapist or a support group
Changing the relationship environment
Considerations in new relationships
Considerations in nontraditional relationships
Concerns About Divorce or Separation
Recommended Reading
Authorship
Factsheet Feedback

Content: Depending upon who is hurt and how the family did things before the injury, this may mean some small shifts for the couple, or it may mean drastic changes. What happens when relationship roles change? The more role changes that occur, and the more dramatic the changes are, the harder it may be for a couple to adjust to the changes. Certain family dynamics may also make the role changes more challenging: Couples who keep tasks separate instead of alternating who does what may find it more challenging to adjust to new roles. Couples who have just recently begun a new phase of their relationship, such as being newly married, having children, or being a new “empty nest” couple, may have a more difficult time with changes in roles. As each partner learns how to operate in his or her new role, there will be a period of adjustment for both people. Uncertainty and frustration during this time can result in increased criticism between partners. People close to the couple may not understand the need for role changes and sometimes incorrectly believe that such changes slow recovery. For example, family members may say “Let her talk to the kids’ teachers.