Displays of transformational leadership by peer mentors (i.e. transformational mentoring) were reported by mentees to be associated with a range of adaptive psychological and behavioural outcomes. The results have the potential to inform the development and dissemination of peer mentor-based interventions and initiatives. Implications for Rehabilitation Within the context of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, positive peer mentorship is reflected in mentors' use of transformational leadership behaviours (idealised influence, inspirational motivation, individualised consideration and intellectual stimulation). When SCI peer mentors use transformational leadership behaviours, mentees report a redefined sense of their limitations, and increased self-confidence, hope, motivation, acceptance, participation and overall well-being. The results of this study have the potential to inform future longitudinal and experimental research concerning the (causal) effects of peer mentoring on mentee outcomes. In particular, research should examine the effects of peer-mentorship training, informed by the tenets of transformational leadership theory, in relation to the mentee outcomes assessed in this qualitative study.

SCI peer mentors inherently use behaviors associated with transformational leadership theory when interacting with mentees. The results from this study have the potential to inform SCI peer mentor training programs about specific leadership behaviors that mentors could be taught to use and could lead to more effective mentoring practices for people with SCI. (PsycINFO Database Record

Objective: The present study tested the feasibility of training peers with spinal cord injury (SCI) to learn brief action planning (BAP), an application of motivational interviewing principles, to promote physical activity to mentees with SCI. Method: Thirteen peers with SCI attended a half-day BAP workshop. Using a one-arm, pre-, post-test design, feasibility to learn BAP was assessed in terms of peers' (1) BAP and motivational interviewing spirit competence; (2) training satisfaction; and (3) motivations to use BAP as assessed by measures of the theory of planned behavior constructs. Measures were taken at baseline, immediately post-training, and 1 month follow up. Results: Following the training, participants' BAP and motivational interviewing competence significantly increased (P's < 0.05, d's > 2.27). Training satisfaction was very positive with all means falling above the scale midpoint. Participants' perceived behavioral control to use BAP increased from baseline to post (P < 0.05, d = 0.91) but was not maintained at follow up (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Training peers with a SCI to learn to use BAP is feasible. Practical implications: BAP is a tool that can be feasibly learned by peers to promote physical activity to their mentees.Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Peers, Motivational interviewing, Brief action planning, Physical activity IntroductionDespite the physical, psychological and social benefits of physical activity for people with spinal cord injury (SCI), physical activity promotion initiatives are sparse and physical activity participation rates are low among the SCI population. [1][2][3] In recent years, physical activity guidelines for people with SCI were released and intervention studies have successfully identified behaviour change techniques (e.g. goal setting and action planning) to promote physical activity to people with SCI. [4][5][6][7] Initial attempts to disseminate these guidelines and interventions have focused on event-based initiatives and passive mass media-based communication; however, evaluations of these initiatives indicate further efforts are needed to disseminate evidence-based physical activity promotion information and interventions to people with SCI. 8 Peers promoting physical activityPeers with a SCI have been identified as ideal individuals to promote physical activity within the SCI population. In general, peers are described as mentors with a SCI who provide encouragement and information to help individuals with SCI throughout their rehabilitation. 9These individuals may be volunteers or paid employees. Individuals with SCI perceive peers as credible messengers of physical activity information because peers can tailor information to an individual's specific needs. 10,11Correspondence to: Amy Latimer-Cheung 12 To gain further understanding of the role of peers for impacting physical activity behavior, research is needed to determine effective and feasible methods for peers to promote physical activity information to the SCI population. Motivational interviewingMotivatio...

No abstract

Purpose/Objective: The purpose of the present study was to develop an understanding of successful aging (SA) meanings and influences that is informed by the lived experiences of people aging with long-term spinal cord injury (SCI). Method: This study was conducted in partnership with three Canadian provincial SCI organizations using an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) approach. To ensure findings were meaningful and practical to the three SCI organizations, the study was grounded in pragmatic philosophical assumptions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 people aging with long-term SCI (minimum 45 years of age; minimum 10-years postinjury). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to a reflexive thematic analysis. Results: SA was understood as an interconnected and multifaceted concept that prioritizes health, participation, and independence. Participants discussed how SA was influenced negatively by personal (aging-related complications, intrapersonal emotional distress) and environmental (lack of available resources, differing community priorities) barriers. Participants reported that SA was positively influenced when individuals acted as self-advocates, were prepared and aware of aging-related changes, and maintained strong relationships with others. Conclusions/Implications: This study presents an initial, SCI-specific understanding of meanings and influences on SA. Although there were similarities between our findings and previous SA models, pertinent differences were also identified. Findings highlight that supporting quality participation experiences for people aging with long-term SCI may be an important direction SCI organizations can take to support their membership. Impact and ImplicationsThis study extends the aging with spinal cord injury (SCI) literature by presenting an initial, SCI-specific understanding of successful aging that is informed by lived experience. Findings from this study highlight relevant research gaps in the area of aging and SCI that future research studies should address. Findings from this study have the potential to inform the development of programs and resources that SCI community organizations offer to support their aging clients.