Appraisals of disability and psychological adjustment in veterans with spinal cord injuries

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2021 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2020.1754650 · Published: November 2, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI/D) view their disability and how it affects their mental health. It uses a questionnaire called the Appraisals of DisAbility Primary and Secondary Scale – Short Form (ADAPSS-sf) to measure these views. The study wants to see if the ADAPSS-sf can help identify veterans who are struggling with their mental health after SCI/D. It also explores whether the questionnaire can predict how satisfied veterans are with their lives, even when considering their emotional distress. The findings suggest that how veterans perceive their disability is linked to their psychological adjustment and life satisfaction. The ADAPSS-sf could be a useful tool for healthcare providers to identify and support veterans who need help coping with their SCI/D.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Ninety outpatient veterans with SCI/Ds.

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The ADAPSS-sf is effective in identifying poor psychological adjustment in veterans with SCI/D.
2
The study identified diagnostic odds ratios and ADAPSS-sf cut scores to prioritize sensitivity, specificity, or a balance of the two in identifying veterans with poor psychological adjustment.
3
The ADAPSS-sf accounted for unique variance in life satisfaction beyond measures of emotional distress.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the clinical utility and discriminant validity of the Appraisals of DisAbility Primary and Secondary Scale – Short Form (ADAPSS-sf). Results indicated SCI/D specific appraisals are predictive of concurrent poor psychological adjustment and provide insight into satisfaction with life beyond measures of emotional distress. The use of the ADAPSS-sf warrants consideration in clinics with limited resources given its low patient and clinician burden and its association with psychological adjustment.

Practical Implications

Clinical Identification

The ADAPSS-sf can be used to identify veterans with SCI/D who are at risk for poor psychological adjustment.

Resource Allocation

Clinics can use the ADAPSS-sf to efficiently allocate resources to veterans who need mental health support.

Intervention Development

Early identification of maladaptive appraisals can lead to the development of targeted interventions to improve psychological adjustment and life satisfaction.

Study Limitations

1
Results of this study may have limited generalizability to non-veteran populations, inpatient populations, racial minorities, or women with SCI/Ds.
2
Little is known regarding the veterans who declined participation.
3
An additional limitation is the lack of a structured clinical interview to confirm psychiatric diagnoses.

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