Preliminary investigation into subjective well-being, mental health, resilience, and spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objectives: To undertake a pilot investigation into whether individuals whose subjective well-being had returned to the normal homeostatic range after a spinal cord injury (SCI) may be more resilient and therefore, at less risk of emotional distress over time. To consider the relative stability of subjective well-being in individuals with chronic SCI whose subjective well-being had previously returned to the normative homeostatic range. Results: Twenty-one adults participated at T1 and T2. Subjective well-being was stable for 57% of the cohort. However, 19% presented with symptoms of emotional distress by T2. There was no significant difference in age (P = 0.94) or time since injury (P = 0.51) between those reporting significant emotional symptoms and those without; nor was there any systematic change in health status. Conclusion: This study yielded two important findings. First, individuals with chronic SCI may be vulnerable to mental health issues even after they have previously exhibited good resilience. Second, subjective well-being after SCI may not be as stable as suggested by the general quality of life literature that have examined genetic and personality connections to subjective well-being.

Psychological distress and user experiences with health care provision in persons living with spinal cord injury for more than 20 years

“…Siddall et al also found pain to impact on spiritual well-being in people with long-term SCI. 29 In our study, psychological distress was not associated to age, gender, employment or marital status, which have also been shown in a study by Migliorini et al 30 in people with a long-term SCI (time since injury (range) 7-51). Distress in our cohort was independent of age at injury and time since injury, within the range of 21-35 years post injury.…”

Secondary health conditions experienced by people with spinal cord injury within community living: Implications for a National Disability Insurance Scheme

“…This study has further identified the influence of extrinsic environmental factors on mental health and subjective wellbeing following SCI (Hoffman et al ., ; Migliorini, Callaway & New, ), and the association between pain and depression (Hammell, ). Further exploration of facilitators and barriers to participation is necessary, and is central to occupational therapy practice (Russi, ).…”

Autonomic dysreflexia and repeatability of cardiovascular changes during same session repeat urodynamic investigation in women with spinal cord injury

“…Primary consequence of SCI is the impairment or complete loss of motor and sensory function [2]. Patients also suffer from secondary complications, such as disorders of mental health [3], metabolic [4] and cardiovascular system [5], which is particularly influenced by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) often affected by SCI [5]. Dysfunction of the ANS, especially autonomic dysreflexia (AD) [6], has become a very intriguing field of interest for SCI research over last two decades [7].…”