The relationship between 5-year changes in perceived cognitive function and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with...

Changes in perceived cognitive function after spinal cord injury (SCI) may have important implications for psychosocial well-being. Our purpose was to examine the association between 5-year changes in perceived cognitive function and subjective well-being, satisfaction with participation, depressive symptoms, and anxiety in adults with SCI.

Data were collected from 385 individuals with traumatic SCI in 2018 and 2023, the two most recent time points in the 50-year SCI Longitudinal Aging Study. Perceived cognitive function was assessed at both times using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Cognitive Function scale.

Participants whose perceived cognitive function scores were below normal limits on both occasions reported significantly lower satisfaction with participation (B = -3.25, p < .01) and subjective well-being (B = -6.08, p < .05), greater depressive symptoms (B = 3.83, p < .01), and higher anxiety (B = 2.99, p < .01) compared with those who remained within normal limits. Participants whose scores declined below normal limits also reported significantly lower satisfaction with participation (B = -4.73, p < .01) and greater depressive symptoms (B = 2.64, p < .01) and anxiety (B = 2.48, p < .01).

Perceived cognitive function may be particularly important to maintaining psychological and social well-being after SCI. Routinely assessing perceived cognitive function may guide interventions to support well-being after SCI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).