Evaluating social rehabilitation of aggression for persons with Acquired Brain Injury: a systematic review

FYI. Acquired brain injury refers to any type of brain damage that happens after birth.

 Evaluating social rehabilitation of aggression for persons with Acquired Brain Injury: a systematic review

Tahnee Guala

,

Travis Harries

,

Kira Button

,

Dominique de Andrade

,

Peter Miller

,

Lorraine Tonner

, show all

Received 22 Mar 2024, Accepted 09 Jul 2024, Published online: 21 Jul 2024

• Cite this article
• https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2380475
• CrossMark

In this article

• Abstract
• IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
• Introduction
• Method
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• Disclosure statement
• Additional information
• References
• Appendixes

• Full Article
• Figures & data
• References
• Citations
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Abstract

Purpose

Social rehabilitation of aggression following an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is critically important for persons with ABI due to increased vulnerability of criminal behaviour related to post-injury changes in functioning. This review presents findings from studies that evaluated aggression interventions in both community and forensic populations of people with ABI.

Methods

We searched PsycINFO, EMBASE, SocINDEX, CINAHL and Medline databases for studies published between 1^st January 2000 and 15^th October 2023.

Results

There were 15 studies (14 community-based, one forensic) that met inclusion criteria. Pharmacological management (6) was largely ineffective and anger management interventions (6) presented with inconsistent effectiveness. Emotion regulation (1) may be effective for externalised aggression. Both mindfulness and transcranial direct current stimulation (1) were effective, and the results of a forensic peer group approach (1) were not tested for statistical significance. There was variability in the measurement of aggression, injury severity, and cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Whilst community interventions for aggression in persons with ABI are prevalent, findings for effectiveness have been mixed and there is a paucity of evaluated interventions in forensic samples. Further research is needed to unravel the complex interplay of factors contributing to aggression and develop effective social rehabilitation for persons with ABI.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Social rehabilitation is critical following an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) due to increased risk of displaying challenging behaviours, such as aggression, that may significantly reduce an individual's quality of life.

• The current review highlights a lack of suitable interventions targeting aggression for individuals with ABI that account for injury-related impairments which impact capacity to engage in intervention.

• Findings emphasise the need to develop appropriate and relevant social rehabilitation interventions for aggression in ABI populations, particularly forensic populations, to prevent negative outcomes.