| dc.description.abstract | Purpose: This study aimed: 1) to examine the relationship between functional independence and level of adjustment post-spinal cord injury. 2) to examine potential gender differences in levels of adjustment and 3) to examine the mediating effect of self-efficacy and active coping strategies on the relationship between functional independence and level of adjustment as suggested by the Spinal Cord Injury Adjustment Model (SCIAM).
Method: The study design was a cross-sectional community survey using data from the Norwegian part of the International SCI Community Survey. In contrast to previous studies this study aimed at using a comprehensive adjustment variable. Statistical analyses used were 1. Spearman correlations 2. Independent t-test and 3. A measure of mediation analysis.
Result: Of the 610 participants who responded, 68,5% were male with a mean age of 56,9. Functional independence was positively correlated (r = 0,436) with adjustment. The difference in adjustment levels between males and females was 2,90 out of 100 (95% CI: 0,19 to 5,61). Psychological resources fully mediated the effect of functional independence on adjustment. There was statistically significant double mediation first through self-efficacy, then through active coping strategies (β=0,02; 95% CI 0,01 to 0,03). The pathway from functional independence through active coping strategies to adjustment showed the largest mediation proportion of 0,49.
Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between functional independence and adjustment. Females had a slightly lower level of adjustment than males. Furthermore, self-efficacy and active coping strategies are mediating factors in the relationship between functional independence and adjustment and should be included in the intervention. SCIAM does explain some of the pathways in the adjustment process and may be useful in clinical and research settings. The results are mostly comparable with previous research on this subject. | |
