Psychosocial Factors of SCI

In addition to understanding the physical impact spinal cord injury has on the body, living with this injury also involves managing the social and psychological effects that arise when reintegrating into society.

People with SCI face barriers finding accessible housing, sufficient employment, transportation, and other community services that support successful participation in society. Unfortunately, studies show that people with SCI are not easily overcoming such barriers, as there has been a decline in community reintegration over time in terms of physical independence, mobility, occupation and social integration. Since challenges to successful community reintegration continue to persist, research at this center is focused on investigating psychosocial factors that contribute to productive and meaningful life after SCI. We currently have active studies that examine how recovery impacts the reintegration process and how people with SCI and their families navigate information and resources for successful living. Unique to these studies is a deeper examination of disability rights, which may influence increased realization of the economic, social and cultural resources needed for people with SCI to achieve full community reintegration.