Narratives of long-term resilience: two cases of women aging with spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-020-0267-8 · Published: March 18, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores resilience in women aging with spinal cord injury (SCI) using a positive psychology approach, which emphasizes individual strengths and abilities to adapt to negative events. It aims to document patterns and indicators of resilience during various stages of adjustment following SCI. The study presents narrative case presentations of two women with SCI, focusing on their experiences, roles, and participation in their communities to highlight the evolution of resilience factors over time. The findings aim to provide knowledge that can be used to target rehabilitation interventions toward successful coping styles and assist clinicians in recognizing patterns of resilience in their patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Two women with complete motor neurological injuries

Evidence Level

Case report

Key Findings

1
Both women demonstrated high levels of resilience through evolving roles of family and caregivers, inner personal strength, and participation in their respective communities.
2
The study identified four resilience themes shared by both women: leveraging individual strength, managing social support, engaging in life beyond SCI, and adapting to SCI-related challenges.
3
The women's narratives showed dynamic interactions among personal, environmental, and situational factors that contributed to positive life outcomes after SCI.

Research Summary

The study explores the lived experiences of resilience in two women aging with spinal cord injury (SCI) using narrative case presentations from qualitative interviews conducted approximately 10 years apart. The study identifies and explores resilience themes, including leveraging individual strength, managing social support, engaging in life beyond SCI, and adapting to SCI-related challenges, demonstrating how resilience changes over time in response to new challenges and opportunities. The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing and cultivating resilience in individuals with SCI and provide insights for clinicians to improve care by understanding the dynamic interactions among personal, environmental, and situational factors that contribute to long-term resilience.

Practical Implications

Targeted Rehabilitation Interventions

Results provide knowledge that can be used to target rehabilitation interventions toward successful coping styles.

Enhanced Clinical Recognition

Assist clinicians and researchers to better recognize patterns of resilience in their own patients and study participants.

Improved Care for Aging SCI Patients

Clinicians may benefit from education on ongoing needs assessments for people aging with SCI, especially when they exhibit highly resilient approaches to living with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Reliance on memory for events long past, especially for Mary, whose first interview occurred nearly 30 years after her injury.
2
Ruth's interviews took place during highly stable periods of her life, potentially overstating her resilience over time.
3
Further studies are needed to more fully explore the potential contributions of narrative accounts of resilience in SCI lived experience and care.

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