A systematic review of how spinal cord injury impacts families.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: This systematic review synthesizes the existing literature on the impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on families, including parenting, marital relations, and caregivers' psychological adjustment. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN: Seven databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed studies. Dissertations, chapters, editorials, and review articles were excluded. Sixty-six studies that examined SCI's impact on caregivers and families were included. RESULTS: The review included 55 quantitative studies, 10 qualitative studies, and one study that utilized both methodologies. Among the quantitative psychosocial adjustment studies, as well as the qualitative studies, lack of social support was associated with an increased sense of burden, stress, depression, anxiety, and poorer physical health in caregivers. In the family relationship studies (n = 7), few significant differences were found in family functioning. Marital relationship studies (n = 12) frequently examined intimacy (sex, partner affirmations, and emotional support) as an important facet for determining positive or negative outcomes when one partner had SCI. However, divorce rates appeared to increase over time postinjury. Though few studies investigated caregiver needs and interventions (n = 5), needs for social support and information were identified, and several interventions (e.g., family education, more social support, and problem-solving training) were beneficial for promoting caregivers' psychosocial adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: SCI significantly impacts caregivers' sense of burden and psychological distress, with major implications for family functioning and caregivers' physical, mental, and social health. These issues occurred internationally and endured over time. Findings indicated the need for focused interventions to support caregivers' psychosocial adjustment after SCI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Dissemination and use of the professional standards of practice for psychologists, social workers, and counselors in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Objective: To determine the level of awareness and utilization of the Professional Standards of Practice for Psychologists, Social Workers, and Counselors in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 4th Edition (The Standards) by members of professional organizations representing psychologists, social workers, and licensed professional counselors (PSWC) working in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. Participants: Respondents belonged to members of professional organizations representing PSWC working in SCI rehabilitation, which included ASCIP (76%), APA's Division 22 (37%), ASIA (23%), USA (14%), PVA (12%), AVAPL (11%) and CRCC (3%). Method: Responses to an online questionnaire were solicited via email. Results: 63% of those that responded were aware of The Standards. Of those, (79%) had read all or a portion of The Standards. Colleagues were the most common source of awareness, followed by email announcements. Conclusions: The Standards are being used (in order of frequency) to improve clinical work, improve treatment efficacy, orientation of new staff, confirm current practice, education, advocacy, and other ways.