Does spirituality facilitate adjustment and resilience among individuals and families after SCI?

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version

Accepted Manuscript (AM)

Author(s)
Jones, Kate
Simpson, Grahame Kenneth
Briggs, Lynne
Dorsett, Pat
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2016
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to investigate the role of spirituality in facilitating adjustment and resilience after spinal cord injury (SCI) for the individual with SCI and their family members. Method - data sources: Peer reviewed journals were identified using PsychInfo, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and Sociological Abstracts search engines. STUDY SELECTION: After duplicates were removed, 434 abstracts were screened applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: The selected 28 studies were reviewed in detail and grouped according to methodological approach. RESULTS: Of the 28 studies relating to spirituality and related meaning-making constructs, 26 addressed the adjustment of the individual with SCI alone. Only two included family members as participants. Quantitative studies demonstrated that spirituality was positively associated with life satisfaction, quality of life, mental health and resilience. The utilisation of meaning-making and hope as coping strategies in the process of adjustment were highlighted within the qualitative studies. Clinical implications included recommendations that spirituality and meaning-making be incorporated in assessment and interventions during rehabilitation. The use of narratives and peer support was also suggested. CONCLUSIONS: Spirituality is an important factor in adjustment after SCI. Further research into the relationship between spirituality, family adjustment and resilience is needed. Implications for Rehabilitation Higher levels of spirituality were associated with improved quality of life, life satisfaction, mental health, and resilience for individuals affected by spinal cord injury. Health professionals can enhance the role that spirituality plays in spinal rehabilitation by incorporating the spiritual beliefs of individuals and their family members into assessment and intervention. By drawing upon meaning-making tools, such as narrative therapy, incorporating peer support, and assisting clients who report a decline in spirituality, health professionals can provide additional support to individuals and their family members as they adjust to changes after spinal cord injury.

Journal Title

Disability and Rehabilitation

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

38

Issue

10

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2015 Taylor & Francis. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Disability and Rehabilitation on 20 Jul 2015, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.3109/09638288.2015.1066884

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Biomedical and clinical sciences

Counselling, wellbeing and community services

Health sciences

Human society

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections