Spinal cord injury and aging: an exploration of the interrelatedness between key psychosocial factors contributing to the process of resilience

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE, 2021 · DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2021.1911656 · Published: March 28, 2021

Simple Explanation

This commentary explores psychosocial factors contributing to resilience in individuals aging with spinal cord injury (SCI). It highlights the challenges of aging with SCI and the importance of resilience for positive psychological adjustment. The commentary emphasizes the interconnectedness of self-efficacy, social support, and spirituality in fostering resilience among individuals with SCI as they age. The authors suggest that understanding these complexities can lead to the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies to support resilience across the lifespan for individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Individuals with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Commentary

Key Findings

1
Psychosocial factors like self-efficacy, social supports, and spirituality contribute to resilience in individuals with SCI.
2
These psychosocial factors are complex and interconnected, but their interplay at the intersection of SCI and aging is not well-understood.
3
Understanding these factors can aid in developing targeted rehabilitative strategies to support resilient trajectories throughout life.

Research Summary

Extant literature highlights how many individuals display resilient trajectories following spinal cord injury (SCI), exhibiting positive psychological adjustment. Aging with SCI can result in a sequela of concomitant pathophysiologic conditions and social challenges, which can undermine resiliency. Understanding the complexities of the contributing psychosocial factors can allow for the development of targeted and innovative multi-pronged rehabilitative strategies that can support resilient trajectories across the lifetime.

Practical Implications

Targeted Rehabilitation Strategies

Understanding psychosocial factors can inform the development of rehabilitation programs.

Longitudinal Research

Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to better understand resilience in aging with SCI.

Inclusion of Psychosocial Factors

Future research should include additional psychosocial factors related to resilience.

Study Limitations

1
The interconnectedness of psychosocial factors is not well-understood at the intersection of SCI and aging.
2
The reviewed literature does not explicitly examine aging in the context of SCI.
3
Cross-sectional designs limit understanding of resilience within the context of aging and over the lifetime.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury