Appraisals and coping mediate the relationship between resilience and distress among significant others of persons with spinal cord injury or acquired brain injury: a cross-sectional study

BMC Psychology, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-020-00419-z · Published: May 8, 2020

Simple Explanation

Significant others of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) or acquired brain injury (ABI) often experience psychological distress. This study explores how resilience, appraisals of threat and loss, and coping mechanisms influence this distress. The research investigates whether appraisals of threat and loss, along with passive coping strategies, mediate the relationship between resilience and psychological distress in these significant others. Findings suggest that resilience is linked to lower psychological distress because resilient individuals tend to have less negative appraisals and use less passive coping strategies.

Study Duration

April 2016 and July 2018

Participants

228 significant others of persons with SCI or ABI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
High levels of psychological distress were observed among significant others, with 34–41% showing high anxiety or depressive symptoms.
2
Appraisals of threat and loss, and passive coping, mediate the relationship between resilience and psychological distress.
3
The relationship between resilience and psychological distress was similar in both SCI and ABI groups.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between resilience and psychological distress in significant others of persons with SCI or ABI, focusing on the mediating roles of appraisals of threat and loss, and passive coping. The findings indicate that appraisals of threat and loss, and passive coping, mediate the relationship between resilience and psychological distress among significant others. The study suggests that interventions targeting resilience, appraisal, and coping strategies could be effective in preventing or reducing psychological distress in this population.

Practical Implications

Intervention Development

Develop interventions to increase resilience, reduce negative appraisals, and promote active coping strategies among significant others of persons with SCI or ABI.

Counseling Programs

Implement psychoeducational programs focusing on problem-solving, self-management, and stress reduction for family members.

Early Support

Provide early psychological support to significant others to address psychological distress soon after the onset of injury.

Study Limitations

1
The study population was a selective group of significant others of persons admitted to rehabilitation facilities.
2
The cross-sectional design limits the ability to make causal inferences or establish seriality.
3
Only resilience was included as an independent variable; other personal resource factors may be relevant.

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