Affiliations: Graduate Program in Health and Rehabilitation
Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada | School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western
Ontario, London, ON, Canada | Department of Business, Saint Mary's University,
Halifax, NS, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Mikelle Bryson-Campbell, Graduate
Program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Western Ontario,
Elborn College, 1201 Western Road, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada. Tel.: +1 519
661 2111 ext 88979; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: Persons with brain injury experience a shift in their
self identity that is underpinned by work loss and changes to their worker
role. However, little is known on how to assist a worker with a brain injury
re-establish their occupational identity. Thus, the objective of this article
is to present the results of a scoping review undertaken to examine the
literature on occupational identity and self identity after a brain injury. Methods: A scoping review was performed using the keywords
traumatic, acquired brain injury, occupational, and self identity. Articles
were narrowed through three phases which involved reviewing articles to ensure
a thorough discussion of identity after a brain injury was included and to
highlight the research questions. Results: In total 16 articles and 3 theses were included. No
articles were retrieved on occupational identity after a brain injury. Fourteen
articles discussed the loss of self identity experienced after a brain injury
while three articles highlighted rehabilitation programs. Conclusions: Research indicates there are extensive changes to
identity after a brain injury and this impacts returning to previous
occupations. This knowledge can further our understanding of returning to
occupations after a brain injury and the impact on occupational identity.
Keywords: Head injury, identity, rehabilitation, former occupations
