Empowering people with acquired brain injury with the building blocks to master their wellbeing: A thematic analysis of participant experience of an 8-week positive psychotherapy group

Purpose: Despite lifelong challenges, people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) can live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Advancements in well-being science and positive psychology (PP), have shifted focus from reducing illbeing to fostering flourishing, defined as striving towards excellence based on one’s unique potential. These developments make well-being an achievable goal for those with chronic conditions. Whilst emerging evidence suggests that PP techniques can enhance well-being in ABI populations, wide-spread application remains limited and unmet psychological and social needs continue. This study explored the feasibility and well-being impact of a psychosocial intervention, across three neurorehabilitation centers in Wales. Method: This study presents qualitative findings from a mixed-methods feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an 8-week group-based psychosocial intervention grounded in PP and well-being science. Twenty participants from the three neurorehabilitation centers participated in this study. Semi-structured focus groups were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, combining inductive and deductive coding, to explore meanings. Analysis: Five themes reflected the participants’ views on the feasibility of the intervention and three on its impact. This program is considered feasible and highly acceptable. The participants valued their holistic design, structured psychoeducation, and emphasis on building psychological resources. The findings demonstrate that well-being can be actively enhanced in people with ABI through structured group-based PP interventions. Participants described psychological ‘boosts’ and gains in motivation, self-efficacy, and the capacity to sustain well-being. Conclusion: These insights provide a strong foundation and practical guidance for a full-scale RCT and future implementation. By translating theory into real-world applications, this study highlights the potential of modern PP-informed approaches to address unmet needs and improve outcomes in individuals with ABI.Trial registration: ISRCT N1269 0685, registered with the ISRCTN, the UK’s Clinical Study Registry, on November 11, 2020, available at https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12690685.