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

Abstract

Background/Objective: Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurring during adolescence poses additional challenges because of the concurrent age-specific bio-psychosocial development. Full understanding of the psychosocial dimensions of rehabilitation requires exploration of the patient perspective. The objective of this study was to focus on psychosocial factors from the patient perspective in persons who had previously sustained a SCI during early and mid-adolescence (11-15 years of age). Methods: Twenty-four of the 28 persons who had sustained a SCI in Sweden from 1985 to 1996 participated in the study. Semistructured interviews were made an average of 10 years after injury. Narratives were analyzed qualitatively according to content analysis. Results: Parents and peers were found to have formed a crucial network. Parents frequently acted as advocates in interactions with health care providers, as supporters, and as containers of sorrow, frustration, and anger. Peers acted as promoters of activity and identity development. However, health care providers were perceived as not making sufficient use of this network. Conclusions: Rehabilitation professionals might be encouraged to increase their knowledge of adolescence medicine to better meet the specific needs and demands of persons in this age group. It is further suggested that parents and peers be considered important partners in the joint rehabilitation effort.

Coping strategies recalled by young adults who sustained a spinal cord injury during adolescence

“…The key function of role models in the rehabilitation of patients with SCI, both in promoting an active lifestyle and in helping to establish a new identity, has been proposed previously. 13,[24][25][26] However, the evidence that does exist is mostly anecdotal and future evaluation, and research in this field is needed.…”

“…In this case, the individuals were interviewed about the psychosocial factors that had promoted their readjustment during the first year after injury. 13 The hypothesis is that their spontaneous comments about coping with SCI can be categorized into strategies of coping similar to those identified in previous studies of coping with SCI.…”

Rehabilitation and future participation of youth following spinal cord injury: caregiver perspectives

“…For adolescents, feeling accepted by peers and being able to discuss issues such as sexuality, dating, driving and college with other teens with SCI is important for their developmental growth. 15,16 This might explain why caregivers of adolescents compared to caregivers of younger children were more likely to view interactions with others with disabilities as important during rehabilitation. In addition, meeting adults with disabilities was also mentioned as a promoting factor.…”

Overview of Psychosocial Health Among Youth with Spinal Cord Injury

“…Longitudinal data are needed to examine how outcomes change over time. Related to this, parent-report data were used for outcomes of the youngest children (ages [2][3][4][5]. Past research has demonstrated that parent-report may be more a function of the parent's mental health than the child's mental health 17 ; regardless of this, self-report data were not feasible for these youngest children.…”

“…In addition to dealing with the usual challenges that come with being a young person in today's society, they face the challenges involved with acquiring a new disability, which may include physical, social, and emotional issues and adaptations. 1,2 Although acquiring a disability should not be seen as inherently detrimental to positive psychological functioning, it is important to acknowledge that facing such an experience during a vulnerable developmental stage may exacerbate stress to an individual and their family. 3 Understanding outcomes among youth with SCI can help identify areas for attention and improvement.…”