Abstract
Background. Previous research has shown some maladaptive psychological reactions and even increased incidence of various mental disorders in patients with spinal cord injury during their rehabilitation. Self-concept and suicidal risk in particular have not been studied often in these samples. Aims. Our principal goal was to explore suicidal ideation and behavior, self-concept, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and correlations among these traits, in subjects after a motor vehicle accident (MVA) resulting in permanent physical disability. Methods. Our sample consisted of 50 individuals with paraplegia, tetraplegia, or significant amputation, of whom eight had a family history of suicidal behavior. The following assessment instruments were used: an anamnestic data questionnaire; the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale; the Impact of Event Scale-Revised; and the Suicidal Ideations and Behaviour Questionnaire. Results. Rehabilitating patients with spinal cord injury were characterized by low total self-concept, presence of PTSD symptoms, and suicidal ideation and behavior. PTSD symptoms were correlated with low self-concept and suicidal tendencies. Conclusions. While limited by small sample size, our study results support the need to further explore suicide risk and psychological correlates in patients with permanent physical disability.
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