Returning to productive activities: Perspectives of individuals with long-standing acquired brain injuries

Primary objective: The primary objective of this study was to understand how intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence productive involvement over time. Research design: Given this relatively unexplored area of study, an interpretive research paradigm was incorporated using the grounded theory methodology. Methods and procedures: Six participants were recruited based on inclusion criteria. They had been living with a brain injury for an average of 14 years. The primary method of data collection was semi-structured interviews, which was supplemented by programme reports to enhance methodological triangulation. Results: The results revealed that factors influencing involvement in productive activities over time were conceptually linked to learning about one's capacity. These factors involved: an opportunity to try, support and feedback from others, experimenting, and participants' appraisals of themselves. Conclusions: Recommendations for clinical practice include incorporating the postulates of the social cognitive theory in rehabilitation and moving from a deficits approach towards a strengths model of practice. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.