Psychosocial Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review

J. Pers. Med., 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071178 · Published: July 20, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in both physical and psychosocial challenges. This review explores these psychosocial challenges through the biopsychosocial model, addressing societal effects of ableism and stigma, and unique aspects of living with SCI. The biopsychosocial model appreciates a person’s experience of medical issues by considering the dynamic interactions of physiological factors (bio) with the psychological and personal (psycho) and societal components (social). This review aims to identify the most updated psychosocial information regarding consequences after SCI, sharing recent guidelines and studies examining psychosocial outcomes and complications.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level 5, Narrative Review

Key Findings

1
Stigma and ableism significantly affect psychosocial outcomes like social disconnection, feelings of injustice, depressive symptoms, reduced self-efficacy, and decreased quality of life.
2
Strong, supportive relationships are crucial for mental health benefits, lessening feelings of grief and loss related to injury and buffering against mental, bodily, and financial stress.
3
Employment after SCI increases opportunities for social engagement and creates a sense of purpose and financial independence, acting as a protective factor against reduced quality of life.

Research Summary

This review explores the psychosocial consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) through a biopsychosocial lens, emphasizing the impact of ableism and stigma. It highlights the importance of relationships, vocational status, finances, living situation, mood, coping mechanisms, adaptive behaviors, and sexual health in the SCI population. The review concludes by stressing the need for healthcare providers to consider the psychosocial elements alongside medical care, and advocates for breaking away from ableist attitudes to improve the well-being of individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Address Stigma and Ableism

Healthcare providers and society should actively combat stigma and ableism towards individuals with SCI to improve their psychosocial well-being.

Promote Social Support

Encourage and facilitate strong social support networks for individuals with SCI, including family, friends, and peer support groups, to enhance mental health and coping.

Support Vocational Rehabilitation

Provide resources and support for vocational rehabilitation to enable individuals with SCI to return to work, fostering a sense of purpose, financial independence, and social engagement.

Study Limitations

1
The review focuses primarily on adults with acquired SCI, excluding congenital and pediatric SCI, which have distinct psychosocial issues.
2
The review is limited by the available literature, particularly concerning the experiences of women with SCI and gender non-binary persons with SCI.
3
The review acknowledges that it does not cover all possible psychosocial consequences of SCI due to the uniqueness and complexity of each individual's experience.

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