Faith in Higher Power Helps TBI Survivors in Rehab

Brigid Waldron-Perrine, Ph.D., a recent graduate from Wayne State University, and her mentor, Lisa J. Rapport, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Wayne State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, reported in June 2011 that personal faith in a higher power improves the emotional and physical outcome of rehabilitation for TBI patients. Their conclusion was based on a study involving neuropsychological testing of 88 individuals diagnosed with TBI, most of whom were male, African American Christians. The improved outcome was associated with the feeling of a personal connection with a higher power, not with belonging to a religious group or participating in public worship activities. Most likely the feeling of connection helped by reducing stress, negativity, and loneliness, and by increasing positive emotions including trust and optimism.