Coping and Participation in Youth With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2012 · DOI: 10.1310/sci1803-220 · Published: July 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Pediatrics

Simple Explanation

This study explores how young people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) handle challenges and engage in activities. Understanding this relationship is important because it affects their overall well-being and development. Researchers looked at different coping strategies used by youth with SCI, such as seeking support from others or trying to stay positive. They also examined how these individuals participate in both structured (formal) and unstructured (informal) activities. The study found that using positive coping methods and avoiding negative ones can help young people with SCI be more involved and enjoy various activities. This can lead to better social connections and a higher quality of life.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

294 youth with SCI, ages 7-18

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Higher levels of social support and lower levels of self-criticism predicted higher participation in informal activities.
2
Lower levels of social withdrawal predicted participation in informal activities with a greater diversity of individuals.
3
Higher levels of cognitive restructuring predicted participation in formal activities with a greater diversity of individuals and in settings further from home.

Research Summary

This study examined the relationship between coping strategies and participation outcomes in youth with spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal was to determine whether individual coping strategies predicted participation in both informal and formal activities, above and beyond significant demographic and injury-related variables. Results suggest that higher levels of positive coping strategies and lower levels of negative and avoidant coping strategies are associated with more favorable participation outcomes. This is consistent with research associating adaptive coping with positive outcomes among youth with asthma and youth with cancer. Clinical interventions to promote positive coping and participation may assist not only with increasing overall involvement and enjoyment in activities, but also with increasing participation in activities that promote social engagement in multiple settings and with a diversity of individuals.

Practical Implications

Promote Active Coping Strategies

Encourage youth with SCI to seek social support and use cognitive restructuring techniques to facilitate positive participation outcomes.

Reduce Negative Coping Strategies

Interventions should help youth identify and decrease their use of self-criticism, social withdrawal, and blaming others.

Enhance Social Engagement

Clinical interventions should aim to increase participation in activities that promote social engagement in multiple settings and with a diversity of individuals.

Study Limitations

1
The cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow for determination of causality among variables.
2
The sample may not adequately reflect the general population of children and adolescents with SCI.
3
Contributions of coping strategies to participation outcomes were relatively small.

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