The Japanese journal of neuropsychology

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ArticleTitle	Psychological symptoms following acquired brain injury: the importance of understanding patients' subjective experiences from a phenomenological perspective
Language	J
AuthorList	Yukari Hashimoto
Affiliation	Faculty of Regional Design and Development, University of Nagasaki
Publication	Japanese Journal of Neuropsychology: 40 (4), 275-282, 2024
Received
Accepted
Abstract	Prigatano (1999) highlights the importance of starting with the patient's subjective or phenomenological experience to reduce their frustration and confusion, thereby engaging them in the rehabilitation process. This is the first principle of his 18 principles of cognitive rehabilitation. While psychological approaches and psychological education are often employed to address and care for psychological issues following a brain injury, understanding a patient's subjective or phenomenological experience remains crucial. We emphasize the importance of a patient-oriented approach and advocate for phenomenological thinking in assessing and caring for psychological issues. Phenomenological thinking involves understanding the patient's experiences from their own perspective, allowing us to adopt their viewpoint. By doing so, we align our understanding with that of the patient. Approaching psychological disturbances through phenomenological thinking enables a more authentic, patient-centered approach in cognitive rehabilitation.
Keywords	psychological symptom, individual's subjective experience, phenomenological thinking, authentic cognitive rehabilitation