Lay summary
The role of psychosocial and cultural factors as resources for recovery following serious injury has received limited attention despite evidence that it is not just the absence of negative factors, but the presence of positive factors (e.g. self-efficacy, hope) that contribute to long-term outcomes. Psychosocial and cultural resources are developed and enabled through person-environment interactions. As such, rehabilitation contexts, processes and ways of working have the potential to support, or diminish, their development. We will carry out a longitudinal mixed methods realist evaluation and co-production process to (a) produce a practical understanding of how psychosocial and cultural resources are developed and maintained following serious injury; and (b) develop adaptable, applied, and actionable resources to support trauma care and rehabilitation services to address this gap. Drawing on a positive psychology perspective of recovery in trauma care and rehabilitation provides novel opportunities for interventions and support following serious injury.