Causal Model of Psychological Empowerment Among People With Spinal Cord Injury in Thailand

Orthopaedic Nursing, 2021 · DOI: 10.1097/NOR.0000000000000754 · Published: May 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Nursing

Simple Explanation

This study explores psychological empowerment in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Thailand, examining factors like age, education, and self-esteem. The research found that self-esteem directly boosts psychological empowerment, while factors like physical impairment duration, functional ability, and social support indirectly contribute through self-esteem. The study suggests that interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem, social support, and functional ability could promote psychological empowerment among Thais with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

260 individuals admitted to a hospital in Thailand

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional descriptive correlational design

Key Findings

1
Age and education did not significantly influence psychological empowerment in this study's population.
2
Self-esteem had a direct positive effect on psychological empowerment among people with spinal cord injury.
3
Physical impairment duration, functional ability, and social support had indirect positive effects on empowerment via self-esteem.

Research Summary

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a causal model of psychological empowerment among people with SCI in Thailand. The study found that self-esteem directly affected psychological empowerment, while physical impairment duration, functional ability, and social support had indirect effects through self-esteem. The findings suggest focusing on enhancing self-esteem, social support, and functional ability to improve psychological empowerment among Thai people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Nursing Intervention Programs

The findings can be used to develop targeted nursing intervention programs for Thai people with SCI, focusing on enhancing self-esteem, social support, and functional ability.

Holistic Care Approach

Healthcare providers should consider the individual's self-esteem, social support systems, and functional abilities when developing care plans to improve psychological empowerment.

Promoting Self-Care Skills

Encouraging self-care skills and independence can lead to higher self-esteem, which in turn promotes psychological empowerment.

Study Limitations

1
Convenience sampling may have introduced bias.
2
Findings may not be generalizable to the overall population of people with SCI due to the specific study location.
3
Construct and content validity of the instruments were not fully tested in a Thai context.

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