Thinking out loud: Do existing loneliness measures capture the experience of individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury?
Have you had a brain injury? Or are you a carer for someone who has? Maria Vize is looking to interview people affected by an acquired brain injury (such as encephalitis) about the effectiveness of loneliness questionnaires.
Contact the researcher, Maria Vize: m.vize@surrey.ac.uk
Aims of the research
This study is interested in learning more about how well questionnaires about loneliness pick up on loneliness experienced by people after a brain injury.
Who is running the research
The study is ran by Maria Vize (she/her), a Trainee Clinical Psychologist at the University of Surrey. Maria has worked in brain injury services in the NHS for 3+ years and is very passionate about supporting people with brain injuries.
Who can take part in the study
- Have had encephalitis in your adult life (or be a carer for somebody who has)
- 18 years+
- Not currently having rehabilitation
- Must be connected to a support service or willing to join a support group/service
- Must be at least one year post injury
- Participant must be able to access an online interview themselves or via aid of a carer
- Participants can be based anywhere globally but are required to be fluent in English to take part.
- Participant must be able to complete a 45-minute interview: They must be able to sit down for this long in front of a screen; Participant must be able to tolerate a minimum 45 minute conversation by themselves or with support of a carer if needed.
- Must be willing to provide an emergency contact email or number in case they cannot be contacted on day of interview.
What does taking part involve
You will take part in an interview with the researcher. In the interview you will be given a questionnaire about loneliness to read and then think out loud, talking about what you read.
The study will use a “Think Aloud” style interview with the UCLA-LS questionnaire being used as a talking point in the interview, enabling participants to read aloud and reflect on its ability to capture they’re or the individual they care for, experiences of loneliness post ABI. It also hoped the study will add greater depth to the theoretical understanding of how loneliness is experienced post ABI, other contributing factors which present post injury.
Find out more or to take part
If you would like to take part or know more about the study, please email Maria: m.vize@surrey.ac.uk