Post-traumatic growth following spinal cord injury

Adaptations to adult attachment and intimacy following spinal cord injury: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Experiencing spinal cord injury (SCI) can be life-changing for individuals and their families. Previous reviews have focused on coping and psychological adjustment, sexual function and sexuality, or factors facilitating or impeding interpersonal relationships after SCI. However, there is a very little synthesis of research focusing on changes to adult attachment and emotional intimacy post-SCI. This review aims to examine the mechanisms of change in adult attachment and intimacy in romantic relationships following SCI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four online databases (Psycinfo, Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus) were searched for qualitative papers concerning romantic relationships, attachments, and intimacy post-SCI. Sixteen of the 692 papers met the inclusion criteria. These were quality assessed and analysed using meta-ethnography.

RESULTS

Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (a) strengthening and maintaining adult attachment; (b) changes in roles; and (c) changing views of intimacy.

CONCLUSION

Many couples face significant changes to adult attachment and intimacy following SCI. Systematic ethnographic analysis of their negotiations enabled the identification of underlying relational processes and adaptation strategies associated with changes to inter-dependence, communication, role revision, and re-definition of intimacy. The findings indicate that healthcare providers should assess and respond to challenges faced by couples post-SCI using evidence consistent with adult attachment theory.

Posttraumatic growth in palliative care settings: A scoping review of prevalence, characteristics and interventions

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic growth refers to positive psychological change following trauma. However, there is a need to better understand the experience of posttraumatic growth in the palliative care setting as well as the availability and efficacy of interventions that target this phenomenon.

AIMS

To provide a review of the prevalence, characteristics and interventions involving posttraumatic growth in adults receiving palliative care and to collate recommendations for future development and utilisation of interventions promoting posttraumatic growth.

DESIGN

We performed a systematic scoping review of studies investigating posttraumatic growth in palliative care settings using the Arksey and O'Malley six-step scoping review criteria. We used the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.

DATA SOURCES

Articles in all languages available on Ovid Medline [1946-2022], Embase [1947-2022], APA PsycINFO [1947-2022] and CINAHL [1981-2022] in November 2022.

RESULTS

Of 2167 articles located, 17 were included for review. These reported that most people report low to moderate levels of posttraumatic growth with a decline towards end-of-life as distress and symptom burden increase. Associations include a relationship between posttraumatic growth, acceptance and greater quality-of-life. A limited number of interventions have been evaluated and found to foster posttraumatic growth and promote significant psychological growth.

CONCLUSION

Posttraumatic growth is an emerging concept in palliative care where although the number of studies is small, early indications suggest that interventions fostering posttraumatic growth may contribute to improvements in psychological wellbeing in people receiving palliative care.

Co-design of an intervention exploring meaning and purpose after spinal cord injury

PURPOSE

Rebuilding a strong sense of meaning and purpose following trauma is a vital contributor to post-traumatic growth and adapting well to a spinal cord injury. This project aimed to develop an intervention that used the concept of post-traumatic growth to foster a stronger sense of meaning and purpose in people with a spinal cord injury.

METHODS

Using participatory action research methodology, the intervention was designed in an iterative process with health professionals and people with lived experience of spinal cord injury. We developed a ten-week online group program and delivered two pilot programs to 13 participants. We used their feedback to further refine the program before finalisation.

RESULTS

A participatory action research approach resulted in a positive intervention well received by participants and consumer organisations. Feedback suggests the intervention shows promise for improvements in functional and psychosocial outcomes and has long-term viability.

CONCLUSIONS

The project successfully developed and delivered a novel program that uses the concept of post-traumatic growth to foster a stronger sense of meaning and purpose. Further implementation of the program with larger numbers will allow for evaluation of the program's effectiveness.

Psychosocial Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review

Consequences of a spinal cord injury (SCI) entail much more than damage to the spinal cord. The lives of people with SCI, along with those around them, experience profound long-lasting changes in nearly every life domain. SCI is a physical (biological) injury that is inextricably combined with various psychological and social consequences. The objective of this review is to present psychosocial challenges following SCI through the biopsychosocial model, beginning with acknowledgement of the larger societal effects of ableism and stigma before addressing the many unique psychosocial aspects of living with SCI. Included in this review are qualitative studies and systematic reviews on current psychosocial outcomes and consequences. This paper attempts to structure this information by dividing it into the following sections: relationships and family; changes in finances and employment; issues related to the person’s living situation; community reintegration; factors associated with mood and coping (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use, and PTSD); self-harm behaviors (ranging from nonadherence to suicide); effects of traumatic brain injury; considerations regarding sexual health; aging with SCI; and concludes with a brief discussion about post-traumatic growth. Cultivating an understanding of the unique and interrelated psychosocial consequences of people living with SCI may help mitigate the psychosocial aftermath and serve as a reminder to providers to maintain a person-centered approach to care.

Restored Life of Elite Athletes after Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects every aspect of human life: medical, psychological, social, material. People with SCI face a variety of secondary conditions (e.g., chronic pain, urinary tract infections, cognitive impairment) that place a significant emotional burden, resulting in an increased risk of depression and reduced quality of life. The purpose of this study was to better understand the coping strategies and to identify factors that promote or hinder the successful adjustment of elite athletes after SCI. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight top athletes after spinal cord injury. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then thematically analyzed using MAXQDA software. Thematic analysis identified the following categories: coping, athletic identity, and adjustment. The results of the study indicate that loss of functional ability does not cause loss of athlete identity. Elite athletes live a life consistent with this identity, attempting to maintain it despite the loss of physical fitness. Involvement in sports provides meaning and is a positive factor in the process of disability acceptance, which is essential in the process of adjustment to injury and also provides group belonging.

Post-traumatic growth in polytraumatized patients after 20+ years: a long-term follow-up study of 337 patients treated at a level 1 trauma center

PURPOSE

There is limited research on the long-term psychiatric outcomes of polytraumatized patients. Existing studies focus mainly on the negative sequelae. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) describes positive personal development after severe physical or mental distress. In this study, we investigated post-traumatic growth in polytraumatized patients at least 20 years after trauma.

METHODS

Patients treated for polytrauma at a German level 1 trauma center between 1971 and 1990, were contacted 20+ years later. A questionnaire with 37 questions from the stress-related growth scale (SRGS) and the post-traumatic growth inventory (PGI) was administered. PTG was quantified in five specific areas. PTG and patient demographics were then analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Eligible questionnaires were returned by 337 patients. 96.5% of patients reported improvements regarding at least one of the 37 questions. Approximately, a third of patients noticed distinct improvements regarding their relationship to others (29.2%), appreciation of life (36.2%) and attitudes towards new possibilities (32.5%). Patient demographics were significant predictors for the development of PTG: Older (p < 0.001), female (p = 0.042) and married patients (p = 0.047) showed a greater expression of PTG. We also saw significantly more PTG in patients with higher injury severity (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

20 years after polytrauma, patients report improvements in their relationship with others, appreciation of life and attitude towards new possibilities. Women and married patients show higher expression of PTG. Furthermore, there is higher expression of PTG with higher age and injury severity. Post-traumatic growth should be identified and fostered in clinical practice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III-prospective long-term follow-up study.

Sense of coherence and changes over six years among older adults aging with long-term spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional and longitudinal.

OBJECTIVES

To (i) describe sense of coherence (SOC) and changes over six years in older adults aging with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI) and (ii) investigate how changes in SOC are associated with injury characteristics and changes in sociodemographics and secondary health conditions (SHCs; bowel-related and bladder-related problems, pain and spasticity).

SETTING

Community in Southern Sweden.

METHODS

From the initial 123 participants in the Swedish Aging with Spinal Cord Injury Study (SASCIS), 76 individuals (33% women, median age 66 years, median time since injury 30 years, AIS A-D, 30% complete) responded to the 13-item SOC scale (range 13-91) twice with a 6-year interval. Data were analyzed with multivariable hierarchical regression.

RESULTS

The participants rated a strong SOC at both assessments (median 73 and 76.5, respectively) which significantly increased over time. Overall, their marital status and vocational situation remained stable whereas SHCs increased. A change from not having a partner to having one was the only significant explanatory factor for a positive change in SOC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study describes, for the first time, changes in SOC over time and associated factors in older adults aging with long-term SCI. They generally maintain a strong ability to understand, handle, and being motivated when dealing with stressful events arising in their lives as a result of their SCI. The associations emphasize the importance of the social context for successful adaptation to living with SCI along the aging process.

Thriving after pediatric spinal cord injury: two life stories

INTRODUCTION

The primary objective of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of spinal cord injury (SCI) as described by life story interviews with two adults who sustained SCI as children.

CASE PRESENTATION

Data were collected by conducting 15 life story interviews with two individuals with SCI. Atkinson's Life Story Interview approach along with open-ended questions was utilized to capture the narrative data. Polkinghorne's narrative analysis of eventful data approach was used to configure the data elements into a story with the purpose of understanding the lived experience of SCI of these two individuals. Four themes relevant to the experience of living with a chronic condition emerged: adjustment to life with SCI, hardiness, interdependence, and post-traumatic growth.

DISCUSSION

This study illustrated how the two participants' personal development and life trajectories were deeply shaped by pediatric-onset SCI. The life story interview process proved to be an effective approach to understanding the lived experience of SCI as told by two adults with pediatric-onset SCI. While the two participants represented unique contexts, their stories conveyed several cohesive, transcendent themes relevant to the experience of living with a chronic condition. Future narrative inquiry research in individuals with pediatric-onset SCI is necessary to build a representation of this population's lived experiences.

Associations between post-traumatic growth and wisdom in people with long-term paraplegia - the role of disability appraisals and participation

PURPOSE

The number of people with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI) is growing but our knowledge about their successful functioning is still limited. The goal of this study was to investigate the correlations between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and wisdom in people with long-term paraplegia, exploring the mediating effect of disability appraisals, and participation/autonomy (P/A).

METHODS

One-hundred and sixty-six persons with paraplegia completed a set of questionnaires, which included: The three-dimensional Wisdom Scale; The Post-traumatic Growth Inventory; Appraisals of Disability Primary and Secondary Scale; Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire. Mediation was tested using bootstrapping and a multiple mediation model with two mediators.

RESULTS

Positive and significant correlations between PTG, disability appraisals (as determined resilience), P/A, and wisdom were found. PTG is associated with wisdom when disability appraisals and P/A are mediators. Higher PTG was related to higher determined resilience and smaller restrictions in participation, both of which were associated with higher wisdom.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between PTG and wisdom is complex and indirect in people with long-term paraplegia. The mediating variables of disability appraisals and P/A explained the variance in PTG, with P/A playing a more significant role. Findings suggest that long-term SCI may correlate with experiencing high levels of PTG and wisdom, and more positive disability appraisals.Implications for rehabilitationPTG is associated with life wisdom in people with long-term SCI, with a significant contribution of disability appraisal and P/A.Therapists can increase these people's awareness about the possibility of experiencing PTG and maintaining positive changes, despite long-term SCI.Therapists can support people with long-term SCI in maintaining or extending the possibilities of participation and autonomous decision-making about their daily activities, which in consequence may be important for increasing their life wisdom.

Interaction of Socio-demographic Characteristics on Acceptance of Disability Among Individuals With Physical Disabilities

This study aimed to investigate the interaction of sociodemographic characteristics on acceptance of disability among individuals with physical disabilities (IWPD). Data from the 8th Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled in Korea (PSED) in the second wave were used. A sample concerning the first phase of disability was extracted using the one-step colony method to extract regions and was stratified based on the type of disability, disability grade, and age. To explore the association between acceptance of sociodemographic characteristics and of disability, we used a general linear model. A significant main effect was observed in employment, health status, degree of help, and subjective economic status. Regarding employment status, acceptance of disability in unemployment of IWPD with less than high school was lower as compared to those with more than high school. We observed that unemployed IWPD with low income or poor health status could be the group with the highest risk for acceptance of disability. Individuals in the low economic group were more religious than those in the high economic one. These findings indicate that specialized intervention programs that consider religion, economic status, employment, education, health, and their interactions would be effective for acceptance of disability. Interdisciplinary team members should consider the individual profiles of these populations and implement suitable support and rehabilitation programs.

Basic hope and posttraumatic growth in people with traumatic paraplegia- the mediating effect of acceptance of disability

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

Investigating the correlations between basic hope, acceptance of disability, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in people with traumatic paraplegia, exploring the mediating effect of acceptance of disability.

SETTING

Community-dwelling people with traumatic paraplegia in Poland.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 281 individuals with paraplegia. The set of questionnaires included: The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI); Basic Hope Inventory (BHI); and The Multidimensional Acceptance of Loss Scale. Four dimensions of disability acceptance were measured: subordinating physique relative to other values, enlarging the scope of values, transforming comparative-status values into asset values, and containing the effects of disability. Mediation was tested with the Baron and Kenny's approach.

RESULTS

A positive and statistically significant correlation between basic hope, acceptance of disability, and posttraumatic growth was found. Using a hierarchical regression analysis, a mediating effect of acceptance of disability was found for explaining the relationship between basic hope and posttraumatic growth in people with paraplegia. Only two dimensions of disability acceptance, subordinating physique relative to other values and transforming comparative-status values into asset values, were found to play a mediating role.

CONCLUSION

Beliefs about the world and the transformation of values ​​that constitute acceptance of disability are important for explaining PTG in people with paraplegia. Correlations between these variables are complex. The correlation between basic hope and posttraumatic growth in individuals with paraplegia may be understood better by taking into account the mediating role of acceptance of disability.

Personal identity narratives of therapeutic songwriting participants following Spinal Cord Injury: A case series analysis

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients face unique identity challenges associated with physical limitations, higher comorbid depression, increased suicidality and reduced subjective well-being. Post-injury identity is often unaddressed in subacute rehabilitation environments where critical physical and functional rehabilitation goals are prioritized. Therapeutic songwriting has demonstrated prior efficacy in promoting healthy adjustment and as a means of expression for post-injury narratives. The current study sought to examine the identity narratives of therapeutic songwriting participants.

DESIGN

Case-series analysis of the individual identity trajectories of eight individuals.

SETTING

Subacute rehabilitation facility, Victoria, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight individuals with an SCI; 7 males and 1 female.

INTERVENTION

Six-week therapeutic songwriting intervention facilitated by a music therapist to promote identity rehabilitation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Identity, subjective well-being and distress, emotional state.

RESULTS

Three participants demonstrated positive trajectories and a further three showed negative trajectories; remaining participants were ambiguous in their response. Injury severity differentiated those with positive trajectories from those with negative trajectories, with greater injury severity apparent for those showing negative trends. Self-concept also improved more in those with positive trajectories. Core demographic variables did not however meaningfully predict the direction of change in core identity or wellbeing indices.

CONCLUSION

Identity-focused songwriting holds promise as a means of promoting healthy identity reintegration. Further research on benefits for those with less severe spinal injuries is warranted.

Psychological morbidities and positive psychological outcomes in people with traumatic spinal cord injury in Mainland China

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the prevalences of three psychological morbidities (posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression) and two positive psychological outcomes (resilience and posttraumatic growth) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). To examine the relationships between the five aforementioned variables and to determine the predictors of the three psychological morbidities.

SETTING

Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center, Mainland China.

METHODS

Participants included 300 adults with SCI in one rehabilitation center in Shanghai. Standardized self-report measures were used. Sociodemographic, injury, and psychological variables were assessed. Descriptive analyses were used to calculate the prevalences of five psychological outcome variables. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the five psychological variables and regression analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

RESULTS

Of the 300 respondents, 35%, 29%, and 27% exceeded the clinical cutoff score for PTSD, anxiety, and depression, respectively. About 32% reported good resilience, and 51% reported moderate to high levels of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Three psychological morbidities showed positive correlations between each other while significant negative relationships with the resilience and PTG. Hierarchical regressions indicated that both the extent of environmental barriers and resilience were the significant predictors of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

CONCLUSION

High prevalences of psychological morbidities were found in the SCI population in Mainland China. They should be identified and intervened early in the rehabilitation process. Some positive psychological techniques that focus on increasing resilience and promoting PTG would likely be beneficial for the SCI population.

Satisfaction and perceptions of long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury upon completion of a locomotor training program with an overground robotic exoskeleton

AIM

The main objectives of this study were to quantify clients' satisfaction and perception upon completion of a locomotor training program with an overground robotic exoskeleton.

METHODS

A group of 14 wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury, who finished a 6-8-week locomotor training program with the robotic exoskeleton (18 training sessions), were invited to complete a web-based electronic questionnaire. This questionnaire encompassed 41 statements organized around seven key domains: overall satisfaction related to the training program, satisfaction related to the overground robotic exoskeleton, satisfaction related to the program attributes, perceived learnability, perceived health benefits and risks and perceived motivation to engage in physical activity. Each statement was rated using a visual analogue scale ranging from "0 = totally disagree" to "100 = completely agree".

RESULTS

Overall, respondents unanimously considered themselves satisfied with the locomotor training program with the robotic exoskeleton (95.7 ± 0.7%) and provided positive feedback about the robotic exoskeleton itself (82.3 ± 6.9%), the attributes of the locomotor training program (84.5 ± 6.9%) and their ability to learn to perform sit-stand transfers and walk with the robotic exoskeleton (79.6 ± 17%). Respondents perceived some health benefits (67.9 ± 16.7%) and have reported no fear of developing secondary complications or of potential risk for themselves linked to the use of the robotic exoskeleton (16.7 ± 8.2%). At the end of the program, respondents felt motivated to engage in a regular physical activity program (91.3 ± 0.1%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides new insights on satisfaction and perceptions of wheelchair users while also confirming the relevance to continue to improve such technologies, and informing the development of future clinical trials. Implications for Rehabilitation All long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury who participated in the study are unanimously satisfied upon completion of a 6-8-week locomotor training program with the robotic exoskeleton and would recommend the program to their peers. All long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury who participated in the study offered positive feedback about the robotic exoskeleton itself and feel it is easy to learn to perform sit-stand transfers and walk with the robotic exoskeleton. All long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury who participated in the study predominantly perceived improvements in their overall health status, upper limb strength and endurance as well as in their sleep and psychological well-being upon completion of a 6-8-week locomotor training program with the robotic exoskeleton. All long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury who participated in the study unanimously felt motivated to engage in a regular physical activity program adapted to their condition and most of them do plan to continue to participate in moderate-to-strenuous physical exercise. Additional research on clients' perspectives, especially satisfaction with the overground exoskeleton and locomotor training program attributes, is needed.

Diferencias de sexo en el uso de estrategias de afrontamiento en personas con lesión medular

Objetivo: profundizar en la experiencia de afrontamiento en personas con lesión medular (LM), teniendo en cuenta tanto el afron- tamiento actual como el afrontamiento durante momentos iniciales tras sufrir la LM. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal de encuesta. Participaron 127 personas con LM de larga evolución, 95 hombres y 32 mujeres. Los datos fueron recogidos por medio de un cuestionario online con información sociodemográfica y el Cuestionario de Afrontamiento del Estrés (CAE). Se han realizado análisis descriptivos, pruebas t de Student y análisis multivariados de la varianza (Manovas) Resultados: las comparaciones intrasujetos muestran que la estrategia de focalización en solución de problemas se usa más en el afrontamiento actual. La autofocalización negativa es más utilizada en el afrontamiento pasado, en los momentos iniciales tras sufrir la LM. Los resultados de los Manovas muestran que no existen diferencias en función del sexo en el afrontamiento rememorado ni en el actual. Los Anova de seguimiento para el afrontamiento actual evidencian que las mujeres utilizan más las estrategias de búsqueda de apoyo social y expresión emocional abierta. Conclusiones: no hay diferencias de sexo en el uso de las estrategias de afrontamiento en la LM. Se sugiere seguir investigando cómo el género puede actuar en este proceso.

Evaluation of a specialized yoga program for persons with a spinal cord injury: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Objectives

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a specialized yoga program for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) on pain, psychological, and mindfulness variables.

Materials and methods

Participants with SCI (n=23) were outpatients or community members affiliated with a rehabilitation hospital. Participants were randomized to an Iyengar yoga (IY; n=11) group or to a 6-week wait-list control (WLC; n=12) group. The IY group participated in a twice-weekly 6-week seated IY program; the WLC group participated in the same yoga program, after the IY group’s yoga program had ended. Pain, psychological, and mindfulness measures were collected at two time points for both groups (within 1–2 weeks before and after program 1 and at a third time point for the WLC group (within 1 week after program 2).

Results

Linear mixed-effect growth models were conducted to evaluate the main effects of group at T2 (postintervention), controlling for T1 (preintervention) scores. T2 depression scores were lower (F_1,18=6.1, P<0.05) and T2 self-compassion scores higher (F_1,18=6.57, P< 0.05) in the IY group compared to the WLC group. To increase sample size and power, the two groups were combined and analyzed across time by comparing pre- and postintervention scores. Main effects of time were found for depression scores, (F_1,14.83=6.62, P<0.05), self-compassion, (F_1,16.6=4.49, P<0.05), mindfulness (F_1,16.79=5.42, P<0.05), mindful observing (F_1,19.82=5.06, P<0.05), and mindful nonreactivity, (F_1,16.53=4.92, P<0.05), all showing improvement after the intervention.

Discussion

The results indicated that a specialized 6-week yoga intervention reduced depressive symptoms and increased self-compassion in individuals with SCI, and may also have fostered greater mindfulness.

Exploring Facilitators of Post-traumatic Growth in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study

Introduction

There is increasing evidence regarding people’s reactions to life stressors in which people also may show positive experiences following a traumatic event. The aim of the present study was to explain the facilitators of post-traumatic growth based on the experiences of patients with a spinal cord injury.

Methods

This was a qualitative study conducted on 16 Iranian patients with a spinal cord injury using semistructured, in-depth interviews, and content analysis in 2015. These participants, despite their spinal cord injury, were successful in their lives and were considered successful members of society. A purposive sampling method was used until reaching data saturation, and then the collected data were analyzed using a content analysis method.

Results

The study revealed several factors as facilitators of post-traumatic growth in the patients. The extracted facilitators were put into seven categories of main concepts, including existence of support resources, contact with spinal cord injury associations, spiritual beliefs, positive attitude toward injury, access to proper facilities, enhancement of knowledge and awareness, and active presence in society.

Conclusion

Different factors may facilitate post-traumatic growth in patients with a spinal cord injury. Understanding these facilitators may help us in designing educational, support, and consulting programs for patients and their families as well as to the correct the support programs.

Global meaning in people with spinal cord injury: Content and changes

BACKGROUND

After spinal cord injury (SCI), people are confronted with abrupt discontinuity in almost all areas of life, leading to questions on how to live a meaningful life again. Global meaning refers to basic ideas and goals that guide people in giving meaning to their lives, in specific situations. Little is known about global meaning relating to SCI and whether global meaning changes after SCI.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to explore the content of global meaning of people with SCI, and (ii) to explore whether or not global meaning changes after SCI.

METHODS

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 people with SCI. Interviews were analyzed according to the method of grounded theory.

RESULTS

(i) Five aspects of global meaning were found: core values, relationships, worldview, identity and inner posture. (ii) Overall, little change in the content of global meaning was found after SCI; specific aspects of global meaning were foregrounded after SCI.

CONCLUSION

Five aspects of global meaning were found in people with SCI. Global meaning seems hardly subject to change.

Posttraumatic growth in people with traumatic long-term spinal cord injury: predictive role of basic hope and coping

STUDY DESIGN

Participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) sustained at least 15 years before the study completed questionnaires measuring posttraumatic growth (PTG), basic hope and coping strategies.

OBJECTIVES

To determine contribution of basic hope and coping strategies to accounting for PTG variability in participants with traumatic long-term SCI.

SETTING

Polish rehabilitation centres, foundations and associations implementing social inclusion and professional activation programmes. Participants were enrolled based on their medical history by trained rehabilitation specialists and psychologists.

METHODS

The set of questionnaires included the following: The Post-traumatic Growth Inventory; The Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE); and Basic Hope Inventory.

RESULTS

A study of 169 individuals with paraplegia in the range of PTG showed the highest degree of positive changes in appreciation of life (AL) and the lowest in self-perception. Regression analysis showed that coping strategies such as religion (REL), focus on the problem, humour, alcohol/drug use ideation and basic hope jointly account for 60% of variance of PTG. The highest contribution to accounting for this variability had REL. Also, it was found that coping strategies and basic hope allow to predict variance of individual growth aspects. Age at trauma exposure positively correlated with changes in AL and spiritual change. No significant relationship between growth and age of participants was confirmed.

CONCLUSION

PTG occurring in people with long-term traumatic SCI is primarily manifested in increased AL. Specific coping strategies and basic hope have a significant role in fostering positive changes.

Understanding post-traumatic growth following pediatric-onset spinal cord injury: the critical role of coping strategies for facilitating positive psychological outcomes

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore positive psychological growth in individuals who had sustained spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in childhood, and to identify factors correlating with such growth.

METHOD

Data were drawn from ongoing research aimed at assessing the long-term outcomes of pediatric-onset SCIs in adults. Participants were assessed using measures of demographics, coping ability, post-traumatic growth, life satisfaction, happiness, and mental health. The study sample included 161 adults with a mean age of 33 years and 2 months (SD 7y 3mo, range 19-50y). The participants had sustained SCIs between the ages of 7 years and 18 years (mean 14y 10mo, SD 2y 6mo) and were injured for an average of 17 years and 9 months (SD 7y 7mo, range 1-36y). Sixty-four percent of participants were male, 81% were white, 63% had tetraplegia, and 70% had complete injuries.

RESULTS

The vast majority of participants (99%) recognized that at least one positive change had occurred in their life as a result of their SCI. Post-traumatic growth was significantly associated with behavioral (r=0.29, p<0.001) and cognitive (r=0.39, p<0.001) coping strategies, as well as with increased life satisfaction (r=0.18, p=0.024) and happiness (r=0.27, p=0.001), but was unrelated to psychological distress. Additional analyses indicated that post-traumatic growth mediated effects of cognitive coping on happiness, but not on life satisfaction.

INTERPRETATION

The majority of individuals with pediatric-onset SCIs experienced positive psychological growth. Coping strategies are crucial to this growth process.

Depression Trajectories During the First Year After Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE

To determine the number and type of longitudinal depression trajectories during the first year after spinal cord injury (SCI) and to identify baseline predictors of these trajectories.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Rehabilitation and postacute community settings.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 168 consecutive admissions to inpatient rehabilitation for acute SCI, 141 (115 men, 26 women) patients were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial telephone follow-up intervention, which showed no outcome differences, and completed assessments on at least 2 of the 4 follow-up occasions (3, 6, 9, and 12 months after SCI). Participants were on average 41 years old, most were non-Hispanic (96%) and white (86%), and 61.7% had tetraplegia.

INTERVENTIONS

Data were drawn from the ineffective randomized controlled trial.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

RESULTS

Unconditional linear latent class growth analysis models of PHQ-9 total scores revealed an optimal 3-class solution: stable low depression (63.8%), mild to moderate depression (29.1%), and persistent moderate to severe depression (7.1%). Preinjury mental health history and baseline pain, quality of life, and grief predicted class membership.

CONCLUSIONS

The modal response to SCI was stable low depression, whereas persistent moderate to severe depression primarily represented a continuation or relapse of preinjury depression. This line of research has the potential to improve identification of subgroups destined for poor outcomes and to inform early intervention studies.

The process of posttraumatic growth in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury in Mainland China: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

This study aims to explore the process of posttraumatic growth for individuals who have sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants with spinal cord injury from the local community. Interviews were recorded on audiotape and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes emerged: struggling in hopelessness, disentangling from disability, facing challenge, and achieving positive growth. Our findings reveal how individuals with spinal cord injury overcome their disability to achieve personal growth, and can contribute to clinicians' understanding of psychological responses to spinal cord injury while promoting physical and psychological recovery in these individuals.