Date of Award

January 2014

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dana M. Howell

Department Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how individuals who have experienced a TBI described the effects not being able to drive has on their routines and occupations related to transportation. Two participants were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview protocol, about their participation in daily routines and occupations related to driving cessation after experiencing a TBI. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed by coding significant phrases, grouping the codes into categories, and generating descriptions of the participants' perceptions. Member checks were performed for trustworthiness. After analyzing the data, four themes emerged. The themes were; hoping to be a better driver, being able to take myself anywhere and everywhere I want to go at any time, feeling cut off from people, and self-realizations. These themes suggest that there are limited participation and social interactions present with individuals after experiencing a TBI and driving cessation. There were several ways the individual's lives were affected by their inability to drive. These included: limited participation with peers and family, limited community integration, and loss of independence and autonomy.

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