CSD

Research Article Presentation: Experiences of ABI through Mask Making

  • Introduction

    • Objective: Presentation of research article focusing on experiences of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) expressed through the medium of mask making.

    • Personal Connection: Speaker's experience with concussions and empathy towards individuals suffering from ABI, noting the difficulty of dealing with an invisible illness.

    • Table of Contents Overview:

    • Introduction background

    • Participants and methods

    • Results and discussion

    • Personal opinion

  • Interim Background

    • Purpose: Explore how art (specifically mask making) reveals emotional experiences of ABI and how artistic representations encapsulate the narratives of brain injury experiences.

    • Highlighted Struggles:

    • Individuals with ABI/TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) often face challenges expressing emotions and navigating identity post-injury.

    • Notable Changes: Severe modifications in personality or identity post-injury, with art serving as an external expression of internal struggles.

  • Participants and Methods

    • Overview of Participants:

    • Total masks created: 1,054

    • Each mask represents one participant with a specific diagnosis.

    • Inclusion criteria included accurate diagnosis, name, and geographical origin.

    • Diverse diagnoses represented:

      • Various types of TBI

      • Strokes

      • ABI forms, such as brain bleeds or tumors.

    • Age and occupation of participants varied widely.

    • Project Execution:

    • Project Title: Unmasking Brain Injury

    • Supplies Provided: Stickers, magazines, crowns, paint, coloring utensils, and open creative freedom for participants to express their narratives through mask making.

    • Partnerships Established: Collaborations with organizations globally to facilitate this expressive initiative.

    • Submission Process:

    • Completed masks uploaded to a designated website for public viewing.

  • Results and Discussion

    • Findings from Participant Reflections:

    • Notable shifts in self-identity and personality traits post-ABI/TBI.

    • Changes in employment and adjustments in social support systems.

    • Quote Highlight: “The mask represents the dualities we experience after our injuries.”

    • Gradual manifestation of injury impacts: Initial forgetfulness evolving into chronic memory issues impacting names, places, or significant factual recall.

    • Emotional and Social Implications:

    • Importance of feeling visible and validated despite having an invisible illness.

    • Art as a valuable coping mechanism for complex emotions, including grief related to identity loss caused by ABI.

    • Participants found renewed purpose in creating masks, contributing positively to self-esteem and emotional health.

  • Personal Reflections and Opinions

    • Difficulty in comprehending some sections of the material warranted multiple readings and highlight selections of quotes for emphasis throughout the presentation.

    • Critical Observations

    • Emotional behavioral changes noted, including altered sensory, physical, and cognitive capabilities.

    • Materials utilized for mask making could include wood, clay, paper mache, metal, fabric, or digital representations.

    • Personal Connection:

    • Speaker expressed a challenge in emotional expression and considered alternative art mediums over mask-making due to difficulties with attention span.

    • Discussion on adult coloring books as a viable outlet for creative expression and emotional processing, including themes of nature and pop culture.

    • Marked feelings of hope arising from the exploration of emotional expression through art, contrasting personal challenges with emotional compartmentalization.

  • Practical Applications

    • Potential uses in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) practices:

    • Mask making as a therapeutic tool for a broad demographic, including adults, teens, and elderly patients.

    • Cautions about physical limitations affecting participation, such as decreased coordination and hand strength post-injury.

    • Considerations for alternative, accessible materials including stickers and simple crafts.

  • Conclusion

    • Overall appreciation for the article and realization of the complexities surrounding brain injuries and their management.

    • Desire to discover more literature on similar subjects and methods of artistic expression in relation to ABI.

  • References Slide

    • End of presentation with acknowledgment of references used in the research and presentation materials.