Understanding peer group perspectives of adolescent acquired brain injury

This study explored how adolescent peer groups perceive social inclusion of students with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs). Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework, an experimental design used vignettes and questionnaires to examine participants’ attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions toward two fictional students with an ABI – one displaying internalizing behaviors and the other externalizing behaviors. A total of 263 participants aged 11–13 in a large secondary school in the UK participated. Regression analysis demonstrated that TPB components predicted 83% of the variance in behavioral intentions. Significant differences were reported in all components of TPB based on behavioral presentation, with results demonstrating more positive attitudes, and higher levels of perceived behavioral control toward students with internalizing behavioral presentation following an ABI compared to an externalizing behavioral presentation. Prior experience with ABI was associated with more positive attitudes toward social inclusion. This research is among the first to explore how behavioral presentation can impact attitudes and behavioral intentions of adolescents toward a fictional student with ABI, providing new theoretical insights into social inclusion. Findings have practical implications for educators and policymakers considering interventions to improve social outcomes following ABI.