Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract The neurological injury and resulting losses in sensation and movement is only one of the numerous consequences of damage to the spinal cord. Sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI) not only leads to major changes in an individual's physical ability, but also to changes in his or her occupational status, in the leisure activities with which he or she engages, in social participation and in intimate relationships. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the psychological and social repercussions of SCI; research has looked into how these factors in turn affect adjustment to injury, self-care, quality of life, and morbidity, and professionals working in SCI rehabilitation have begun to consider how to promote positive adjustment in hospital settings. This chapter discusses psychological, social, and physical issues relating to SCI rehabilitation and covers the psychological interventions utilized in rehabilitation settings.