| This qualitative, non-experimental study examined the lived experiences of caregiving spouses of combatants with traumatic brain injuries who maintained their resilience. Studies reporting information on the role of providing care for persons who have sustained a traumatic brain injury have described it as burdensome, isolating, and emotionally challenging. This study employed semi-structured individual interviews with five spouses of service members to gain a better understanding of the impact of their husbands' combat injury on their marital relationships, satisfaction, and how marital satisfaction affected their ability to cope as caregivers. Bowlby's Attachment Theory provided a theoretical perspective for defining marital satisfaction. A phenomenological analysis of the data yielded the following themes: normal expectations, role changes, routines to chaos, loss of intimacy, serendipity, Semper Gumby, emotional support, and family legacy. This research was congruent with the emerging body of knowledge associated with this population. Recommendations from this study were to continue to develop a greater understanding of the plight of intimate caregivers with family members with traumatic brain injuries, especially in the military context. Additional research is needed to provide clinical interventions aimed at assisting this population.;Keywords: caregivers, traumatic brain injury, military family, marital satisfaction, resilience, attachment theory. |
