Received support and psychological adjustment in critically-injured patients and their family

A pilot study was conducted to identify support behaviors associated with the psychological adjustment of 39 critically-injured patients and 39 family members. Although the majority of critically-injured patients recover physically, current work shows that psychological difficulties persist. This study hypothesized that the psychological adjustment of critically-injured patients and family members will be a function of the type of support received. The second hypothesis was that support behaviors associated with psychological adjustment will differ between critically-injured patients and family members. Patients and family members completed the following paper and pencil instruments: The Instrument of Socially Supportive Behaviors, the Well-being Scale, State/Trait Anxiety Scale, Life Experience Survey, The Blishen Occupational Index and a demographic questionnaire. Using multiple regression with backward elimination, squared semi-partial correlations and partial F, cross-sectional data showed that the measure of well-being but not anxiety was related to different types of support behaviors in partial support of the first hypothesis. Support for the second hypothesis was provided by the finding that the critically-injured patient's level of well-being was positively associated with nondirect support and instrumental aid, and negatively with direct guidance. In contrast, instrumental aid was found to be associated with poor well-being in family members. The findings offer neuroscience nurses insights into the types of support that may enhance the well-being of critically-injured patients and their family members.