Psychological defense mechanisms among individuals with SCI with adjustment disorder

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2016.1140389 · Published: September 1, 2017

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the psychological defense mechanisms used by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who also have adjustment disorders (AJD). Psychological defense mechanisms are unconscious coping strategies used to reduce anxiety after a traumatic event. The study found that a significant portion of SCI patients also experience AJD, and that these individuals tend to use neurotic defense styles, particularly idealization, as a way of coping. Understanding these defense mechanisms can help clinicians develop better therapeutic interventions for SCI patients to promote positive coping strategies and improve their overall psychological well-being.

Study Duration

June 2014 and June 2015

Participants

114 individuals with SCI, 32 diagnosed with AJD, 23 attended second interview

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional investigation

Key Findings

1
The prevalence of AJD was estimated to be 28% among individuals with SCI.
2
The most prevalent defense style used was neurotic.
3
The dominant used defense mechanism was “idealization.”

Research Summary

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of adjustment disorders (AJD) among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to determine the pattern of defense styles used by this population. The study found that 28% of SCI patients were diagnosed with AJD, and the most prevalent defense style used by these individuals was neurotic, with idealization being the most common defense mechanism. The study concluded that demographic and injury-related variables did not significantly influence the use of defense mechanisms, highlighting the importance of understanding these psychological coping strategies for developing effective interventions.

Practical Implications

Clinical Interventions

The findings suggest the need for targeted psychological interventions to address maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as neurotic defense styles, among individuals with SCI and AJD.

Therapeutic Approaches

Therapeutic approaches should focus on promoting adaptive coping strategies and fostering ego-strength to improve adjustment and overall psychological well-being in this population.

Further Research

Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of various psychological interventions in modulating defense mechanisms and improving coping strategies in patients with SCI and AJD.

Study Limitations

1
The general population has not been investigated in our study since no control group has been assigned.
2
The prevalence of AJD reported in this study is not generalizable to other SCI populations (especially those with acute SCI) because the data have been obtained from a tertiary rehabilitation center.
3
Due to the limited number of participants, further investigations are required to clarify the role of demographic and injury-related variables as determinants of used defense mechanisms.

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