Friendship and social adjustment of children following a traumatic brain injury: An exploratory investigation

Despite evidence that suggests that children who survive traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) experience disruptions in their peer relationships, the peer experiences of children with TBIs have rarely been studied empirically to date. Data were gathered on measures of peer adjustment for a sample of 22 children with TBIs and were compared with children from a matched control group. Children with TBIs were found to be less socially and athletically competent than children who had not experienced a TBI. Among boys, TBI was also related to lower academic competence. Children with more severe injuries had greater difficulty managing conflict, coordinating play, and developing intimacy in their closest friendships. Girls were more likely than boys to have friendships that predated the injury. Results are discussed in terms of the significance of the social disruption that apparently occurs surrounding injury.