Children and young people's experiences of having a parent with a spinal cord injury

This study explores young people's unique experience of living with a parent with an acquired spinal cord injury. Despite the potential impact of acquired parental disability on children's lives, research studies on the experience are scarce.

Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze semistructured interviews with nine adolescents and young adults (13-22 years) recruited in 2021, via the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Ireland.

Four main themes were identified: 1. The event and immediate aftermath, 2. Suppressing emotions and keeping the best side out, 3. Changes and continuities in family relationships and roles, and 4. Strengthening connection through open communication. Participants described feeling frightened and alone in the immediate aftermath of parental injury and highlighted the importance of support networks. The impact on adjustment of suppressing emotions to protect parents and preserve a public persona was identified. Role changes altered family dynamics and increased household responsibilities were experienced as challenging, whereas improvements in relationships were also reported. Opportunities for open communication throughout the developmental adjustment process were identified as a key factor in maintaining psychological wellbeing after a life-changing event.

This study provides insight into the lived experience of parental disability in a small sample of white Irish participants. Although this sample may limit its generalizability, the study offers implications for healthcare professionals and families seeking to promote resilient adjustment in young people following the intrusion of spinal cord injury into family life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).