Published In

Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2000

Subjects

Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychological aspects, Persons with disabilities, Catastrophic illness -- Psychological aspects, Adjustment (Psychology)

Abstract

Reviews the literature on the role played by coping efforts in fostering psychosocial adaptation to spinal cord injury. Following an introductory discussion of coping in general, and coping with chronic illnesses and disabilities more specifically, the review focuses on the research literature (1980?1999) regarding coping with spinal cord injuries. The paper continues with a summary of findings based on over 30 empirical studies focusing on coping with this disability. Among the prominent findings are the following: (1) More successful psychosocial adaptation is generally associated with higher levels of ego strength and internal locus of control and (2) better adaptation is positively related to adoption of problem-focusing and seeking social support, and negatively related to wish-fulfilling fantasy and alcohol/drug abuse. The paper concludes by providing the reader with rehabilitation-related clinical and research implications.

Rights

This is the publishers PDF. Credit goes to the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA).

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/9789

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