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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: The focus of this present research was to investigate the relationship between empathy and quality of life in individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI.
METHOD: Individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI between ages 18 and 65 (Nf39) completed the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) and Empathy Quotient (EQ).
RESULTS: Performance on the EQ was correlated with QOLIBRI (r(1,37) = 0.398, p = 0.012). Based on their EQ scores, the participants were divided into three groups: below-average empathy (N = 9), average empathy (N = 16), and above average empathy (N = 14). There was a statistically significant difference in the total QOLIBRI scores across the three empathy groups (F (2, 36) = 5.037, p = 0.012). Post-hoc analysis, indicated those with lower EQ scores also reported lower QOLIBRI scores.
CONCLUSION(S): This work provides evidence that those with low empathy may have a worse quality of life after brain injury relative to those with higher levels of empathy. Understanding the relationship between empathy and quality of life for individuals with brain injury can inform professionals where to target interventions such that improvements in empathy may also increase quality of life.
Language: en |