Psychosocial Adaptation Following Spinal Cord Injury: Perspectives of People With Lived Experience

Purpose/Objective: This study sought to identify common mental health-related concerns of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and define strategies that can mitigate adverse circumstances. Research Method/Design: We organized three focus groups of persons living with SCI (N = 5, 6, and 5, respectively) and recruited participants using a research registry and social media. We conducted focus groups via Webex, which lasted 60-90 min. We used discussion guides that an advisory committee, composed of persons with SCI and health care providers, reviewed and revised. A professional service transcribed Webex audio recordings. We used NVivo Pro 12 to code the transcripts for thematic analysis. Results: Sixteen persons with SCI (six men, 10 women; M = 48 years) residing in Midwestern and Atlantic coast states participated. Eighty-one percent sustained SCI 2 or more years earlier, 69% sustained paraplegia, and 69% had incomplete injuries. Participants described feelings of anger/frustration, social isolation/loneliness, and depression as mental health challenges, in addition to developing identity as a person with a disability and timing of supportive mental health services such as SCI peer mentors. Conclusions/Implications: Persons with SCI identified the need for improved access to community resources as well as mental health services. The findings can guide the development of practice recommendations and resources for rehabilitation professionals and mental health providers.