Abstract
Study Design: This is a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional, observational study.
Research Method/Design: A bootstrapping mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the stigma-mediated relationship between injustice appraisals and depression symptoms. Injustice appraisals were assessed using the Injustice Experience Questionnaire, stigma with the Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Stigma–Short Form, and depression symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire–9. A sample of 225 participants completed the questionnaires; eight participants were removed due to incomplete data, resulting in a final sample size of 217 participants (79% male; 21% female).
Results: Injustice appraisals were significantly correlated with depression symptoms and time since injury. Stigma was found to mediate the relationship between injustice appraisals and depression, with an estimated proportion mediated of 80.9%
Conclusions/Implication: Consistent with previous research, injustice appraisals were associated with greater severity of depression symptoms. This study provides a novel finding that the relationship between injustice appraisals and depression symptoms is mediated by stigma. Results provide further evidence for the role of injustice appraisals after SCI and a potential mechanism (i.e., stigma) by which it may exert its effect on depression symptoms.