Effects of Adult Romantic Attachment and Social Support on Resilience and Depression in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2015 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2101-156 · Published: January 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to psychological problems that lower quality of life. Factors like resilience and social support can help buffer these effects and improve health. This study looks at how adult attachment styles affect how people use social support after an SCI. Attachment theory suggests that our early relationships shape how we handle emotions and relationships as adults. Secure attachment helps with coping, while insecure attachment can lead to distress and mental health issues. This research examines how attachment styles relate to social support, resilience, and depression in people with SCI. Understanding these connections can help therapists provide better support during rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

106 adults with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Individuals with higher levels of attachment avoidance have lower perceived social support, which in turn relates to lower perceived resilience.
2
Attachment anxiety is directly related to higher levels of depression and lower perceived resilience, suggesting that individuals with high anxiety may amplify their distress, leading to depression.
3
Social support mediates the relationship between attachment avoidance and perceived resilience, meaning that those who avoid closeness perceive less support and, consequently, lower resilience.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationships between adult romantic attachment, perceived social support, depression, and resilience in individuals with SCI undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. The research found that attachment avoidance is linked to lower perceived social support, which in turn is associated with lower resilience. Attachment anxiety was directly related to higher depression levels. The findings suggest that assessing attachment patterns during inpatient rehabilitation can help therapists provide tailored support, potentially improving resilience and reducing depression in individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Attachment-Based Psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy to assess attachment strategies and develop secure coping styles can help prevent or treat depression in SCI patients.

Couples and Family Therapy

Therapy for individuals with high attachment avoidance can help families provide needed support or address inaccurate perceptions of support.

Addressing Sensitive Issues

A secure therapeutic relationship can facilitate discussions about sensitive topics like sexual functioning, role changes, and caregiver stress, improving overall support and well-being.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size from a single facility limits generalizability.
2
Cross-sectional design prevents assessing long-term effects and changes over time.
3
Lack of family member data limits the understanding of family dynamics and caregiver experiences.

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