Spinal cord injury, coping and psychological adjustment: a literature review.
OBJECTIVE
This paper reviews the literature concerning psychological adjustment to spinal cord injury, focusing on the recent methodological developments and new directions in research.


METHODS
Several literature reviews using the search terms Spinal Cord Injury, Paraplegia, Coping and Adjustment were undertaken using the databases in Pubmed, Medline and Embase. The papers that were published from 2001 onwards, written in English and used a sample of adults were included.


RESULTS
The literature reviewed lends further support to the importance of appraisals and coping strategies in the adjustment to spinal cord injury. Methodological issues highlighted in earlier reviews are addressed in conjunction with further theoretical explorations.


CONCLUSIONS
Although many of the methodological criticisms have been addressed, there remains a need for longitudinal research into the process of adjustment to spinal cord injury and the contributory role of appraisals and coping strategies. Measurement tools designed specifically for use within the spinal cord injured population should be utilized in the prevention of maladaptive adjustment issues, whereas able-bodied comparison groups would allow identification of coping strategies unique to the spinal cord injured population.
Chevalier
Z
Z
Department of Clinical Psychology, The National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 8AL, UK.
Kennedy
P
P
Sherlock
O
O
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires