Preliminary investigation into subjective well-being, mental health, resilience, and spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2013 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000100 · Published: January 1, 2013

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the relationship between subjective well-being, resilience, and mental health in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It explores whether individuals who have returned to a normal level of well-being after a SCI are more resilient and less prone to emotional distress. The research also examines the stability of subjective well-being in individuals with chronic SCI who had previously returned to a normative homeostatic range. The study found that while many participants showed resilience, some experienced a decline in mental health over time, highlighting the ongoing need for mental health support in this population.

Study Duration

5 Years

Participants

21 adults with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Longitudinal study

Key Findings

1
Individuals with chronic SCI may be vulnerable to mental health issues even after exhibiting good resilience.
2
Subjective well-being after SCI may not be as stable as suggested by general quality of life literature.
3
No significant differences in age or time since injury were found between those reporting emotional symptoms and those without.

Research Summary

This study investigated subjective well-being, mental health, and resilience in individuals with chronic SCI over a 5-year period. It aimed to determine if those with returned subjective well-being were more resilient and less prone to emotional distress. The results indicated that while a majority of participants maintained stable subjective well-being, a notable percentage experienced emotional distress over time, suggesting vulnerability to mental health issues despite prior resilience. The study concludes that mental health evaluations should be continuous in patients with chronic SCI, and that external factors significantly influence well-being.

Practical Implications

Continuous Mental Health Evaluation

Regular assessment of mental health is crucial for individuals with chronic SCI, regardless of their previous resilience or subjective well-being.

Address External Factors

Interventions should address external factors such as community attitudes, social and economic factors, and physical accessibility to improve mental health and subjective well-being following SCI.

Further Research Needed

Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the impact of various factors on the mental health and subjective well-being of individuals with SCI.

Preliminary investigation into subjective well-being, mental health, resilience, and spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Continuous Mental Health Evaluation

Address External Factors

Further Research Needed

Study Limitations

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Preliminary investigation into subjective well-being, mental health, resilience, and spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Continuous Mental Health Evaluation

Address External Factors

Further Research Needed

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?