Self-concept among persons with long-term spinal cord injury.

Seventy-one persons with spinal cord injury who had been injured at least four years before, completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale and a questionnaire examining demographic factors and activity levels. Compared to scale norms, respondents had significantly higher Personal Self, Moral-Ethical Self, and Social Self scores and significantly lower Physical Self scores. Perceived independence, provision of one's own transportation, assistance needed, and living arrangements were significantly related to self-concept. Findings were discussed in relationship to past and future research and practice in rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury.