Problem-Solving Therapy After Acquired Brain Injury

AI Summary

PST and PSTr are evidence-based, grounded in problem-solving theory and cognitive rehabilitation, targeting executive dysfunction, emotional distress, self-efficacy and goal attainment.
Delivered in-person, via telehealth and digital formats, PST/PSTr reduce depression and anxiety and improve self-efficacy and adaptive coping for people with ABI and care partners.
Evidence for functional outcomes is mixed; research should address cultural adaptation, implementation strategies and the optimal balance of human and technology elements.

TL;DR (AI Generated)

These approaches are particularly well-suited for acquired brain injury (ABI), where problem-solving challenges are critical barriers to rehabilitation and community participation.

Delivered across in-person, telehealth, and digital formats, PST and PSTr demonstrate strong benefits for reducing depression and anxiety and improving self-efficacy and adaptive coping in individuals with ABI and their care partners.

Basic summary

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2027 Feb;38(1):101-119. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2026.08.006. Epub 2026 Sep 8.

ABSTRACT

Problem-solving therapy (PST) and training (PSTr) are evidence-based interventions grounded in social problem-solving theory and cognitive rehabilitation frameworks that target executive dysfunction, emotional distress, self-efficacy, and meaningful goal attainment. These approaches are particularly well-suited for acquired brain injury (ABI), where problem-solving challenges are critical barriers to rehabilitation and community participation. Delivered across in-person, telehealth, and digital formats, PST and PSTr demonstrate strong benefits for reducing depression and anxiety and improving self-efficacy and adaptive coping in individuals with ABI and their care partners. Evidence for functional outcomes remains mixed, and cultural adaptation, implementation, and optimal human-technology balance warrant further research.

PMID:43025912 | DOI:10.1016/j.pmr.2026.08.006

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