Perceived Injustice after Spinal Cord Injury: Evidence for a Distinct Psychological Construct

Spinal Cord, 2019 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0318-9 · Published: December 1, 2019

Simple Explanation

Perceived injustice, involving feelings of unfairness and irreparable loss, is a known predictor of negative outcomes after injuries. Depression is a common complication after spinal cord injury, but it's unclear if perceived injustice is simply a reflection of depression. This study aimed to identify factors uniquely associated with perceived injustice, distinct from those associated with depression, in individuals with recent spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

74 individuals with acute SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Time since injury, state anger, and sex had significantly different relationships with perceived injustice compared to depression symptoms.
2
Greater time since injury was associated with increased perceived injustice but not with increased depressive symptoms.
3
Higher state anger was linked to greater perceived injustice, but not increased symptoms of depression.

Research Summary

This study explored unique predictors of perceived injustice versus depression in individuals undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury. The research identified time since injury, state anger, and sex as unique predictors of perceived injustice, distinct from factors associated with depression symptoms. The findings suggest that perceived injustice and depression are separate constructs, supporting the development of targeted interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes after SCI.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Develop interventions specifically addressing perceptions of injustice to improve psychosocial outcomes after SCI.

Appraisal Processes

Recognize the importance of appraisal processes in adjustment to SCI and their influence on adjustment and outcomes.

Clinical Meaning

Consider that sex differences in perceived injustice and depressive symptoms were not statistically significant, but may be clinically meaningful.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample size and large number of predictor variables.
2
Cross-sectional design precludes conclusions about directionality or causality.
3
Sample comprised a majority of participants who were white and earned more than $40,000 annually.

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