Understanding Depressive Symptoms Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between various biopsychosocial factors and depressive symptoms in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Survey data were collected from 238 individuals with SCIs. The survey measured symptoms of depression, injury level, pain, catastrophizing beliefs, coping skills, perceived stress, and social support. Results indicated that pain (β = .14, p < .05), catastrophizing beliefs (β = .13, p < .05), and perceived stress (β = .50, p < .001) have a positive association with depressive symptoms. Positive coping skills (β = −.16, p < .01) were found to have a negative relationship with depressive symptoms. Injury level (β = .05, ns) and social support (β = −.09, ns) were not found to significantly affect depressive symptoms. The results of the study generally support the biopsychosocial model of depression in individuals with SCIs. Interventions should be aimed at promoting positive coping and ameliorating pain, catastrophizing beliefs, and perceived stress.