Psychosocial Aspects of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury With Onset During Adolescence: A Qualitative Study

J Spinal Cord Med, 2007 · DOI: · Published: January 17, 2007

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Pediatrics

Simple Explanation

This study explores the psychosocial experiences of adolescents who sustained spinal cord injuries. It aims to understand the challenges they face during rehabilitation and readjustment. The research focuses on identifying factors that either help or hinder their recovery process from their own perspectives. The study involved interviewing 24 individuals who had experienced spinal cord injuries during their early to mid-adolescence. These interviews aimed to capture detailed narratives about their experiences with rehabilitation, focusing on both positive and negative aspects. The findings highlight the critical roles played by parents and peers in the rehabilitation of adolescents with SCI. Parents often acted as advocates and emotional supports, while peers facilitated activity and identity development. The study suggests that healthcare providers should better integrate these support networks into the rehabilitation process.

Study Duration

11 Years

Participants

24 persons who had sustained a SCI during early and mid-adolescence (11–15 years of age)

Evidence Level

Level IV, Qualitative Study

Key Findings

1
Parents play a crucial role by acting as advocates, supporters, and emotional containers for adolescents with SCI. They provide a safe space for the young person to express frustration and anger.
2
Peers are significant in promoting activity and identity development for adolescents with SCI. Their involvement helps the injured adolescent reintegrate into social life and maintain a sense of normalcy.
3
Healthcare providers were often perceived as not adequately utilizing the social network of the adolescents, specifically parents and peers, in the rehabilitation process.

Research Summary

This qualitative study investigates the psychosocial aspects of spinal cord injury (SCI) occurring during adolescence, focusing on the patient's perspective. The study involved interviews with 24 individuals who sustained SCI between the ages of 11 and 15. Key findings highlight the crucial roles of parents and peers in the rehabilitation process. Parents served as advocates and emotional support, while peers fostered activity and identity development. The study also identified that healthcare providers often did not sufficiently involve these crucial support networks. The study suggests that rehabilitation professionals should enhance their understanding of adolescent medicine and actively involve parents and peers in the rehabilitation process to better meet the specific needs of adolescents with SCI.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Healthcare Training

Rehabilitation professionals should receive additional training in adolescent medicine to better understand the unique psychosocial needs of young SCI patients.

Family-Centered Approach

Actively involve parents as partners in the rehabilitation process, recognizing their crucial role in advocacy and emotional support.

Peer Support Programs

Facilitate peer support programs to promote social reintegration and identity development among adolescents with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Recall bias due to the time elapsed between the injury and the interview.
2
The results reflect experiences within the Swedish healthcare system from 10 to 20 years prior to the study.
3
No attempts were made to correlate early rehabilitation experiences with current quality of life.

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