The psychosocial impact of spinal cord injury on the family : literature review

Abstract EN

Research concerning the long term adjustment to a traumatic spinal cord injury, has identified interpersonal support as an important factor, which is related to a favorable outcome.

The benefits to the patients of a warm and supportive family background have been recognized, yet there is little data which examines the reaction of families to spinal cord injury.

Two issues emerge.

One concerns the factor of the response of the family, the other concerns the actions which can be taken on the part of the treatment team.