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Published on: January 16, 2019
Positive Psychology Interventions for Adults with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Muna Bhattarai1, Yuki Shigemoto2, Snehi Bajracharya3
1Assistant Professor, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, 2800 W. Bowie Street, Fort Worth, TX 76129.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) show benefits for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), improving self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and reducing anxiety. More research is needed for long-term effects and mainstream application in SCI rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychology
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly impacts physical, emotional, and psychosocial wellbeing.
- Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) offer a framework to enhance wellbeing through elements like positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of PPIs for health and wellbeing in adults with SCI.
- To evaluate the impact of PPIs on various health and wellbeing outcomes in the SCI population.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted across six major electronic databases.
- Included studies were interventional, published between 2000-2025, involving individuals with SCI and implementing PPIs aligned with the PERMA model.
- Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines, with meta-analyses performed for outcomes reported in at least three studies.
Main Results:
- Eight studies were included in the systematic review; seven incorporated PPI components, and one fully utilized a positive psychology framework.
- Meta-analyses indicated statistically significant positive effects of PPIs on self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and anxiety.
- Evidence regarding the follow-up or long-term effects of PPIs in SCI populations remains limited and inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Positive psychology interventions and their components demonstrate beneficial effects on diverse health and wellbeing outcomes, especially psychological health, in adults with SCI.
- Further research with standardized, full-scale PPIs and larger sample sizes is crucial for integrating these interventions into mainstream SCI rehabilitation.