Ecological factors in rehabilitation of patients with severe spinal cord injuries

The psychological perspective of disability views the extent of disability as substantially determined by the availability of essential resources in the physical and social environments of people with disabilities. This article reports the findings of a study of the post-hospital adjustment of individuals treated for injuries that produced paraplegia or quadriplegia. Comparisons of emotional and social adjustments were made between groups of respondents contrasted by size of community, independent living vs. physical dependence, employment status, and degree of social interaction. Resultant data documented the critical importance of these ecological variables. Practice implications of the findings are discussed.