A systematic review of how spinal cord injury impacts families.

Abstract

Purpose/Objective: This systematic review synthesizes the existing literature on the impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on families, including parenting, marital relations, and caregivers’ psychological adjustment. Research Method/Design: Seven databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed studies. Dissertations, chapters, editorials, and review articles were excluded. Sixty-six studies that examined SCI’s impact on caregivers and families were included. Results: The review included 55 quantitative studies, 10 qualitative studies, and one study that utilized both methodologies. Among the quantitative psychosocial adjustment studies, as well as the qualitative studies, lack of social support was associated with an increased sense of burden, stress, depression, anxiety, and poorer physical health in caregivers. In the family relationship studies (n = 7), few significant differences were found in family functioning. Marital relationship studies (n = 12) frequently examined intimacy (sex, partner affirmations, and emotional support) as an important facet for determining positive or negative outcomes when one partner had SCI. However, divorce rates appeared to increase over time postinjury. Though few studies investigated caregiver needs and interventions (n = 5), needs for social support and information were identified, and several interventions (e.g., family education, more social support, and problem-solving training) were beneficial for promoting caregivers’ psychosocial adjustment. Conclusions: SCI significantly impacts caregivers’ sense of burden and psychological distress, with major implications for family functioning and caregivers’ physical, mental, and social health. These issues occurred internationally and endured over time. Findings indicated the need for focused interventions to support caregivers’ psychosocial adjustment after SCI.

Strengths, gaps, and future directions on the landscape of ethics-related research for spinal cord injury

“…Indeed, perceived social support is a key determinant of life satisfaction among individuals with SCI [25], and relationships with family and friends has been identified as one of the highest life priorities in this population [26]. Reflecting the importance of relationality is an extensive body of literature devoted to understanding the critical role of family and caregivers [27] and, increasingly, peer mentorship [28] in the context of SCI.…”

Anxiety and Depression in Pediatric-Onset Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

“…This highlights the wider implications that experiencing a traumatic injury can have on wider society. Therefore, providing support for individuals with TSCI can improve not only their own mental health but also the psychological wellbeing of their caregivers and family members [74]. Pediatric is a critical age during development where individuals may not have developed coping mechanisms, and they need to be supported by their caregivers [75][76][77].…”