Doing Gender and Reshaping the Self: The Rehabilitation Narratives of TBI Survivors

Abstract

This article provides a review of selected studies conducted in recent years on the relationship between gender identity and recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI) with the goal of determining whether gender constructions play a role in the lived experience of TBI survivors. The studies reviewed show that psychosocial issues resulting from perceived difficulties in doing gender can be a burden to successful recovery and that addressing these constructions can have a positive influence on long-term results. Consequently, the author argues that gender should be considered a critical element in the aetiology and management of psychosocial issues following the injury and that a combination of factors should be addressed when looking at gendered aspects of post-TBI recovery, including attitudes toward care, motivation and satisfaction with rehabilitation outcomes. In particular, stronger collaboration between the medical field and social sciences is encouraged, with the aim of exploring individual perspectives and experiences especially on a larger scale than what has currently been achieved.