R C Chan1. 1. Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, China. ckrchan@hkusua.hku.hk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the sources of stress and the patterns of coping of spouses of persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI) among Hong Kong Chinese. DESIGN: A cross-sectional correlation design. A set of structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered. SUBJECTS: Forty spouses of persons with SCI were recruited and interviewed. OUTCOME MEASURES: These included coping strategies, depression, care-giving burden, life satisfaction and marital adjustment. RESULTS: The most stressful situations reported by the participants concerned health issues of their injured partners, the family and marital interactions, and the care-giving burden imposed on them. Cluster analysis indicated a potential at-risk group, characterized by high scores in external locus of control, inadequate coping modes and limited social support. They were noted to manifest high levels of depression, care-giving burden, low levels of life satisfaction and marital adjustment. CONCLUSION: The identification of the potential at-risk group indicates that spouses of persons with SCI suffer levels of stress comparable to those of their injured partners. Rehabilitation plans should include this potential at-risk group to help them release the stress and to prevent them from developing clinically significant mental disorders.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the sources of stress and the patterns of coping of spouses of persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI) among Hong Kong Chinese. DESIGN: A cross-sectional correlation design. A set of structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered. SUBJECTS: Forty spouses of persons with SCI were recruited and interviewed. OUTCOME MEASURES: These included coping strategies, depression, care-giving burden, life satisfaction and marital adjustment. RESULTS: The most stressful situations reported by the participants concerned health issues of their injured partners, the family and marital interactions, and the care-giving burden imposed on them. Cluster analysis indicated a potential at-risk group, characterized by high scores in external locus of control, inadequate coping modes and limited social support. They were noted to manifest high levels of depression, care-giving burden, low levels of life satisfaction and marital adjustment. CONCLUSION: The identification of the potential at-risk group indicates that spouses of persons with SCI suffer levels of stress comparable to those of their injured partners. Rehabilitation plans should include this potential at-risk group to help them release the stress and to prevent them from developing clinically significant mental disorders.
Authors: Alessio Conti; Marco Clari; Maeve Nolan; Eva Wallace; Marco Tommasini; Silvia Mozzone; Sara Campagna Journal: Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil Date: 2019
Authors: Eline W M Scholten; Maria E H Tromp; Chantal F Hillebregt; Sonja de Groot; Marjolijn Ketelaar; Johanna M A Visser-Meily; Marcel W M Post Journal: Spinal Cord Date: 2018-01-16 Impact factor: 2.772
Authors: Susan L Ryerson Espino; Kerry O'Rourke; Erin H Kelly; Alicia M January; Lawrence C Vogel Journal: Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil Date: 2022-01-19
Authors: Eline W M Scholten; Anneroos Kieftenbelt; Chantal F Hillebregt; Sonja de Groot; Marjolijn Ketelaar; Johanna M A Visser-Meily; Marcel W M Post Journal: Spinal Cord Date: 2018-01-16 Impact factor: 2.772
Authors: B Catharine Craven; S Mohammad Alavinia; Matheus J Wiest; Farnoosh Farahani; Sander L Hitzig; Heather Flett; Gaya Jeyathevan; Maryam Omidvar; Mark T Bayley Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2019-10 Impact factor: 1.985