Suroyegina. [Psychosocial factors of emotional maladaptation of adolescents and young people who have suffered a spinal injury: dissertation abstract for candidate of psychological sciences]

Abstract:
Persons aged 16—23 with spinal cord injury (cervical and thoracic levels) were examined. The severity of emotional maladaptation of adolescents and young people at different stages of rehabilitation after spinal injury was assessed, and a comprehensive study of personal, family and interpersonal factors associated with it was carried out. It has been shown that at the late stage (more than three years after the injury) compared with the recovery stage (up to three years), symptoms of anxiety and depression are more often observed, and suicidal tendencies increase. Especially important at a later stage is the growth of unfavorable interpersonal factors: the expectation to be accepted by others decreases, the fear of rejection increases, resulting in a pronounced conflict of affiliation motives. The latter may be an additional factor of distress. The age and severity of the injury do not have a significant impact on the psycho-emotional state. The role of family factors in overcoming emotional maladaptation and the role of personal factors in the form of coping behavior are shown. The author argues that it is necessary to differentiate assistance to adolescents and young people at different stages of rehabilitation after a spinal injury, as well as to their parents.