A Preliminary Conceptualization of the Influence of Personality and Psychological Development on Group Therapy with Spinal Cord Patients

Abstract

While spinal cord injuries are more common among young men who have had an active role in their injury, persons receiving spinal cord rehabilitation are by no means a homogeneous group. Medical problems also account for spinal-related disabilities, as do injuries in which the individual does not have an active role. Attention to personality traits, level of psychological development, and circumstances of the injury can contribute to an understanding of why younger traumatically-injured spinal cord patients are less likely to benefit from a discussion-oriented group therapy format. The authors contend that this format may be better suited to those with non-traumatic onset or non-active participation in their disability. Reviewing relevant developmental and personality theory, the authors propose that discussion-oriented group therapy is best suited to individuals with non-traumatic onset or non-active participation in their spinal cord disability.