Abstract
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate what conditions are important for acquired brain-injured patients when presenting them elves to others.
Method:
The study had an exploratory design with semistructured interviews of six brain-injured patients 2–4 weeks after attending a rehabitation course. The interviews were taped and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using Systematic Text Condensation.
Results:
The informants described several challenges arising from misunderstandings due to their own altered conditions and invisible set problems such as cognitive changes. Informants who were generally open about the long-term effects of their injury seemed to a greater exte to be met with respect, understanding and consideration. For most of the informants it had taken considerable time to develop awareness of the altered conditions. The acceptance of one's brain injury contributed to wish, will, and courage to tell others about themselves.
Conclusion:
Informants reported that the most important factors affecting self-presentation were awareness and understanding of the consquences of their brain injury; a social network that also with this insight; and an effective rehabilitation programme. Taboo, shame and stigmtisation were factors inhibiting the wish to present oneself.