The Adjustment Process for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between perceived changes in sense of coherence from pre- to postinjury and adjustment for a group of individuals with spinal cord injury. It was hypothesized that after a spinal cord injury, an individual's belief that he or she had significantly reduced his or her sense of coherence would be associated with reduced adjustment. Forty-eight individuals with spinal cord injury completed Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Scale and Livneh and Antonak's Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory. Results indicated a positive relationship between adjustment and strengthened sense of coherence. Rehabilitation counselor implications are discussed.