Group-based Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy to Support Recovery After Acquired Brain Injury: A Clinical Development and Evaluation Study

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

TAU + Group Therapy (EAET): Behavioral: Treatment as usual • Individually tailored multidisciplinary rehabilitation based on an assessment of each participant's rehabilitation needs. An individual rehabilitation plan is developed, and interventions are provided by relevant members of the rehabilitation team according to the participant's identified needs. Rehabilitation may include medical management, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychological treatment, and psychosocial support. Behavioral: Group-based Emotional and Expression Therapy (EAET) • 10-session manualized group-based Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) designed to help participants identify, process, and express emotions and needs. Weekly group sessions are complemented by structured homework assignments. A follow-up session is provided three months after completion of the intervention. The intervention is delivered by a clinical psychologist.

Treatment as Usual (TAU): Individually tailored multidisciplinary rehabilitation based on an assessment of each participant's rehabilitation needs. An individual rehabilitation plan is developed, and interventions are provided by relevant members of the rehabilitation team according to the participant's identified needs. Rehabilitation may include medical management, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychological treatment, and psychosocial support.

Study summary

Difficulties in understanding and managing emotions may hinder recovery, rehabilitation, and participation in everyday life after acquired brain injury (ABI). Yet interventions targeting emotional adjustment after ABI remain limited.

The aim of the study is to investigate whether emotion-focused group therapy, based on Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), can support recovery after ABI. The intervention helps participants identify, process, and express emotions and needs related to their illness and changed life circumstances. Effects on emotional functioning, quality of life, activity, and participation will be assessed over time, alongside interviews exploring participants' experiences.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Brief Mentalized Affectivity Scale (B-MAS) — Baseline (pre-intervention), post-treatment (10 weeks after baseline), 3-month follow-up (approximately 22 weeks after baseline), 12-month follow-up (approximately 62 weeks after baseline).
  Evalutates three core components of emotion regulation: "Identifying emotions"; "Processing emotions", "Expressing emotions".

Trial sites (1)

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