Visible Markers of Traumatic Brain Injury and their Influence on Affective Reactions and Discriminatory Behaviour: A Comparison of Two Models

<p>Two studies examined the influence visible markers of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) have on two mental health models. The two models examined were The Model of Helping Behaviour (Weiner, 1980) and The Danger Appraisal Model (Corrigan, 2000). A total of 305 participants across two experiments were invited and participated in an online survey to investigate the impact visible markers of brain injury have on their emotional and behavioural responses. Participants were recruited via a link on social media or via the intranet at three New Zealand workplaces. The findings of this study found support for visible markers of TBI influencing both The Model of Helping Behaviour and The Danger Appraisal Model. This study suggested that a higher level of perceived dangerousness and social distance is associated with visible markers of TBI and that TBI markers can significantly increase the level of support participants are willing to provide to brain injured individuals within the workplace. Further findings suggested that participants who reported having familiarity of brain injury had lower negative affective reactions, reduced social distance but less willingness to support TBI individuals within the workplace. Due to the limited research relevant to this field, further studies will need to investigate these findings to ascertain whether this is a true replica of the publics’ emotional and behavioural response towards visible markers of brain injury.</p>