Limitations in self-awareness of deficits after acquired brain injury can hamper client participation in rehabilitation programmes. The concept of self-awareness encompasses awareness of brain injury related deficits, an appreciation of the functional consequences of deficits, and the ability to translate that information into realistic goals. A literature review suggests that the development of self-awareness can be associated with emotional distress in the individual. Self-awareness and emotional adjustment factors may both affect behavioural change in the individual, which may influence outcome. The widely held belief that self-awareness is necessary for successful outcomes from rehabilitation requires further investigation.
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