Living with Cognitive Difficulties : Experiences of Individuals with Long COVID and Couples Navigating Their Relationship After Traumatic Brain Injury

Haque, Ammara and Eccles, Fiona and Curvis, Will (2024) Living with Cognitive Difficulties : Experiences of Individuals with Long COVID and Couples Navigating Their Relationship After Traumatic Brain Injury. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

The primary focus of the research is the experience of cognitive and emotional difficulties and how these are navigated both individually and as a couple. The literature review collated evidence in relation to how couples navigate romantic relationships after one partner experiences a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The empirical paper focusses on the experience of persistent cognitive difficulties in individuals following a COVID-19 infection. Section one details the systematic literature review. This summarised and synthesised qualitative research exploring how injured persons and their partners navigate their romantic relationships following a TBI, using thematic synthesis. Five databases were searched: AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Thirteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive themes and then analytical themes were constructed from the data. Findings showed that the rupture of identity and meaning was a key theme amongst couples as well as difficulties with communication and connectedness. Despite these challenges, couples were able to find new meaning and experience shared growth. Section two details the empirical paper, exploring people’s experiences of persistent cognitive difficulties following an infection of COVID-19. Thirteen individuals aged 18-65 who were experiencing cognitive difficulties following an infection of COVID-19 were interviewed. Transcribed data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were constructed: (1) Dealing with loss: stolen identity and a sense of injustice, (2) Internal turmoil: unpredictability and emotional distress (3) Isolation and misunderstanding vs empowerment by social connection, (4) Navigating healthcare: the good, the bad and the uncertain. These findings have implications for support offered by healthcare professionals to this population. Future research exploring the experience of specific groups and the impact of cognitive rehabilitation and psychological therapy would be beneficial. Section three appraises sections one and two critically, including further limitations, clinical implications, and some of the author’s reflections through the process.