The impact of coping on emotional adjustment to spinal cord injury (SCI): review of the literature and application of a stress appraisal and coping formulation

Objectives: This article reviews literature examining the psychological adj ustment to Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and illustrates the applicability of a Stress Appraisal and Coping model (SAC) for rehabilitation of this populati on. Method: Articles concerning psychological adjustment to SCI from the previo us three decades have been reviewed and critiqued. When possible the articl es have been discussed in a SAC framework. Results: The literature indicates that psychological adjustment to SCI is l argely predictable from psychological variables including coping, appraisal and psychosocial resources. Recent literature has suggested psychological intervention can promote positive psychological adjustment following SCI fo r those individuals at risk of developing clinical levels of depression. Conclusion: The SAC model provides a comprehensive formulation to incorpora te the heterogeneity of populations with SCI. Suggestions for future resear ch include developing assessment and treatment regimes specifically tailore d to the strengths and weaknesses of an individual as highlighted in the mo del.