Emotional wellbeing and caregiving strain in close others following acquired brain injury transitional rehabilitation: A prospective longitudinal study

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Published 2nd September 2026

Close others (COs) of individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) report negative psychological wellbeing associated with caregiving. The transition period from hospital discharge to home is a known vulnerable time. An ABI transitional rehabilitation service (ABI TRS) was piloted, utilizing a family-focused care model and aiming to support COs’ needs. This study assessed the impact of ABI TRS on CO psychological well-being and caregiver strain compared to a “treatment as usual” (TAU) approach.

Data from 70 individuals with ABI and 77 COs involved in ABI TRS were analysed alongside data from 82 individuals and COs in the TAU group. Measures included gender and age; injury type, length of stay, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores (person with ABI); Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) (CO); and Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI-4) (CO proxy-rated).

Analyses indicated both treatment groups had higher stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms at discharge compared to three months post-discharge. However, ABI TRS COs exhibited significantly lower caregiver strain after three months compared to the TAU group. Additionally, females reported higher strain than males. Predictors of caregiver strain were also identified. The findings support benefits of the ABI TRS model in reducing caregiver strain.

Citation: 

Nielsen, M., Watter, K., Byrne, J., Bohan, J. K., & Kennedy, A. (2026). Emotional wellbeing and caregiving strain in close others following acquired brain injury transitional rehabilitation: A prospective longitudinal study. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2026.2702043

Authors

Mandy Nielsen

Areti Kennedy

Kerrin Watter

Clinical Community Specialist, Speech Pathologist