Spinal cord injury and aging: an exploration of the interrelatedness between key psychosocial factors contributing to the process of resilience

CONTEXT: Extant literature highlights how many individuals display resilient trajectories following spinal cord injury (SCI), exhibiting positive psychological adjustment. In the absence of a universal definition, it is agreed that resilience is demonstrated when individuals have better-than-projected outcomes when considering the level of adversity experienced. Previous research has focused on traits connected to vulnerability and maladaptive trajectories following SCI rather than the psychosocial factors that contribute to resilience, which can be cultivated over the lifetime. Individuals living with SCI are now aging and have lifespans paralleling that of the broader older adult population. Aging with SCI can result in a sequela of concomitant pathophysiologic conditions and social challenges, which can undermine resiliency. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current commentary is to explore some of the psychosocial factors contributing to resilience within the context of aging with SCI. METHODS: Commentary FINDINGS: Psychosocial factors contributing to resilience within the SCI population include self-efficacy, social supports, and spirituality. However, these factors are complex and their interconnectedness is not well-understood at the intersection of SCI and aging. CONCLUSION: Understanding the complexities of the contributing psychosocial factors can allow for the development of targeted and innovative multi-pronged rehabilitative strategies that can support resilient trajectories across the lifetime. Future research should move towards the inclusion of additional psychosocial factors, adopting longitudinal research designs, and prudently selecting methods.