Article
Correlates of life satisfaction among persons with spinal cord injury,☆☆

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993(99)90076-XGet rights and content

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the correlates of life satisfaction for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Study Design: Survey; follow-up of subjects studied prospectively since onset of injury.

Participants: A total of 2,183 persons with SCI, from 1 to 20 years postinjury, self-selected for annual research (and clinical) follow-up by one of 18 model systems of SCI care.

Results: Life satisfaction, as measured with the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), is associated with several demographic, social, functional, and clinical characteristics. Stepwise linear regression analysis resulted in a predictor model that included the following: sex (beta weight: .07; p < .001); number of rehospitalizations in the last year (−.05; p < .05); years since injury (.13; p < .0001); sociocognitive disability as measured with the Functional Independence Measure (.06; p < .01); and three handicap components, as measured with the modified Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique: mobility (.26; p < .0001); occupation (.10; p < .001); and social integration (.11; p < .0001). Impairment (level of injury) contributed indirectly, through its impact on motor disability. Racial/ethnic group membership, motor disability, and education contributed indirectly, through their effects on handicap.

Conclusions: Life satisfaction after SCI can be reliably measured by means of the SWLS. Correlates of subjective well-being parallel those suggested by earlier studies and those for the population at large. The effects of life satisfaction on social participation, health, and other aspects of life need further study.

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    Supported in part by grants H133N50006 and H133G50138 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

    ☆☆

    No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author or upon any organization with which the author is associated.

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