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Social role functioning following spinal cord injury
M Stambrook1, S MacBeath, A D Moore
1Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Paraplegia
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Wives of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients rated their husbands
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly impacts patients' social adjustment and behavior.
- Understanding the perceptions of family members is crucial for effective patient care.
- Previous research has explored similar adjustments in head injury populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the social adjustment and behavior of hospital-discharged SCI patients.
- To compare these perceptions with community and psychiatric norms.
- To identify implications for family-centered rehabilitation and counseling.
Main Methods:
- The Katz Adjustment Scale--Relatives Form was administered to wives of 27 SCI patients.
- Patient behaviors and social adjustment were rated by their spouses.
- Ratings were compared against established community and psychiatric norms.
Main Results:
- Spouses rated SCI patients as exhibiting more socially inappropriate behaviors than 'normals' but fewer than psychiatric patients.
- SCI patients' social activity levels were comparable to 'normals'.
- Patients engaged in less free-time activity compared to both 'normals' and psychiatric patients.
Conclusions:
- SCI patients exhibit a unique social adjustment profile, distinct from both healthy individuals and psychiatric patients.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted support for families of individuals with SCI.
- The results underscore the importance of addressing social and behavioral aspects in SCI rehabilitation.