Perceived Stress and Coping Behaviors of Patients’ with Spinal Cord Injury

HUB 302-#163

Context: The rationale of the study is to assess how patients with spinal cord injury respond when they are confronted with difficult or taxing events and how that relates to their perceived stress levels. Objective: The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between perceived stress levels and coping behaviors. Design: Cross-sectional from archival data; part of a larger study. Setting: Project Walk® activity-based recovery center where patients with spinal cord injury are able to receive specialized rehabilitation. Patients or Other Participants: Upon IRB approval, clients with spinal cord injury were recruited for participation. Following informed consent, 18 participants (11 male, 7 female; mean age 33.6 years, range 21-54 years; mean length of time since injury 6.3 years, range 21-54 years) completed the study. Interventions: The mode of survey administration was on site and in person. Data was collected in both paper and online forms, based on participants’ preference. A researcher assisted participants with survey completion as needed. Main Outcome Measures: Survey measures included the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al, 1983) and 28-item Brief COPE (Carver, 1997). Results: Data analysis is still in progress; results will be shared upon completion.