Prediction of quality of life among people with major depression after traumatic brain injury based on psychological flexibility and depression severity

Brain injury and depression negatively affects quality of life (QoL). In contrast, psychological flexibility (PF) has a positive impact on depression and QoL. This study aimed to explain the mediating role of PF in the relationship between depression after brain injury and QoL.

This descriptive study was conducted in 2018 at Kargarnejad hospital in Kashan. Seventy patients with major depressive disorder were selected by randomized sampling method among the brain injury patients in Beheshti Hospital. They completed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Data analysis was performed using Pearson Correlation and Hierarchical Multiple Regression.

Pearson correlation matrix revealed a significant relationship between each pair of variables (Ps<0.001) and Hierarchical Multiple Regression showed that PF and depression predict the QoL. Also, the result showed PF partially mediate the relationship between depression severity and QoL in both physical (standardized β = -0.308; t=-2.311; P<0.05) and mental (standardized β=-0.422; t=-3.427; P<0.05) components. Sobel test confirmed the role of the QoL in both physical (Z=2.203; P<0.05) and mental (Z=3.102; P<0.05) components.

In this population, the QoL can be predicted based on the severity of depression and the degree of PF. PF plays a more important role in this regard and by promoting it, the negative effect of depression on QoL can be reduced.