Personal relationships after a spinal cord injury

The objective of this study was to examine the perspectives of individuals living with spinal cord injury (N=14) concerning the changes that occur in personal relationships after the injury. A qualitative study was completed and a finer-grained analysis of data collected from a primary study took place. The primary study had a cross-sectional and retrospective design in which participants with an acquired spinal cord injury were interviewed. Data collection took place in five regions of Ontario, Canada. A modified grounded theory analysis was performed on data related to relationships that was extracted from a primary study. Many study participants believed that their relationships with others provided them with support to assist in their recovery; however, for some participants this support led to their feeling overassisted by their family and friends. Study participants also discussed the barriers they experienced that limited the formation of new relationships; some participants also discussed the strategies they employ to deal with these barriers. Finally, many participants discussed how their relationships with others helped them to view their own spinal cord injuries positively and to take on new life roles. The findings of this study indicate that occupational and physical therapists and other health professionals should assist individuals with spinal cord injury to continue to participate in their relationships. Directions for future research are also discussed.