Stereotypical Beliefs in Rehabilitation

Several stereotypical beliefs can affect the process of rehabilitation of TBI. For example, Man (1998) has found that has found that Hong Kong Chinese families expressed their care for a brain-damaged relative through physical caring and providing material assistance rather than the expression of emotion per se, and suggested that they may not be as assertive with health service providers as families from Western cultures.

Moreover, there is a belief that some cultures trust medical professionals completely and recognizing them as "experts", and therefore do not voice any opinion in treatment. In these cultures, persons with a brain injury may not engage in decisions making during rehabilitation and at times, may even choose to walk away from situations where they may be mistreated or malpractices may occur.

Reference: MAN, D. W. K.(1998). The empowerment of Hong Kong Chinese families with a brain damaged family member - its investigation and management. Brain Injury, 12, 245-254.