Pilot Study of a Newly Developed Intervention for Families Facing Serious Injury

Spinal cord injuries not only impact the injured individuals but also their families, often leading to increased anxiety, depression, and burden for caregivers. There is a need for interventions to support these families, especially in regions like Latin America where resources are limited. This pilot study evaluates a new 8-session family intervention designed to improve psychological functioning and well-being among Latin American families facing SCI. The intervention integrates strategies from cognitive-behavioral therapy and family therapy. The study compares individuals with SCI and their family members who participated in the intervention to a control group on measures of depression, anxiety, burden, and problem-solving skills, both shortly after the intervention and six months later.

• 1
  The intervention group showed significant improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and burden compared to the control group. These improvements were observed both post-intervention and at the 6-month follow-up.
• 2
  Participants in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in problem-solving appraisals, including increased confidence and a more proactive approach to problem-solving.
• 3
  The study suggests that including multiple family members in the intervention and focusing on family functioning can lead to more beneficial outcomes for both individuals with SCI and their families.