A longitudinal study of 55 adults with severe traumatic brain injury was conducted to investigate the development of self-awareness, emotional distress and motivation during the first year after injury. Cluster analysis was performed on data gathered at one year post-Injury. Three clusters labelled ‘high self-awareness’, ‘low self-awareness’ and ‘good recovery’ were retrieved. A case study is presented from each cluster, contrasting the stages in the development of self-awareness of deficits over the year. This research suggests that clients with acquired brain injury can be classified on the basis of level of self-awareness. Issues for the rehabilitation of and occupational therapy with clients from the three groups are raised.
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