Emotional factors and subjective quality of life in subjects with spinal cord injuries

Objective: To compare depression, subjective perception of quality of life, and social support in patients with spinal cord injuries 4 yr or more after trauma vs. controls. Design: The Rorschach inkblot method, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule Self-Administered, the Progressive Matrix 38, the Social Support Appraisals, and the Subjective Quality of Life Profile were used to assess 33 patients with spinal cord injuries and 33 matched controls. Results: No significant difference was observed for levels of general intelligence and depressive disorders. Subjects with spinal cord injuries assessed the general subjective quality of life as satisfactory, with exceptions for sexuality, physical condition, leisure activities, and holidays. A high degree of satisfaction with medical staff and inward life was observed. Social support was perceived as positive. However, they presented emotional distress, deteriorating perceptions, extreme preoccupation with their bodies, and diffuse anxiety. Conclusion: Although quality of life as evaluated by the persons concerned was good, areas of their lives remained unsatisfactory and a source of mental suffering. The next stage would study the factors involved and the means needed to help these subjects improve these aspects of life.