What are the Main Coping Strategies Used by Adolescents with Traumatic Brain Injured Parent? An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

To integrate the varied range of emotions associated with parental illness, children will approach various coping strategies, directed either toward managing their inner world, or solving practical problems. The purpose of this qualitative study of adolescents having one parent with traumatic brain injury is to explore the children's coping process. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of 20 counseling sessions with 5 children ages 14 to 17 years old was used. The coping styles used cover close strategies, but also avoidance strategies such as distraction or resignation. The research brings a new insight on the topic using “first hand” information.