Psychosocial factors associated with athlete adaptation to spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: To review existing research on psychosocial factors associated with athlete adaptation to acquired spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in February 2023. MEDLINE (Pubmed), PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus databases were used, and peer-reviewed academic journal entries fully retrievable from the researcher's institution library or online were considered for inclusion. Publications were identified according to predetermined eligibility criteria, and 18 publications were included in the review.

Results: The results identified many psychosocial factors associated with adaptation to acquired SCI, including self-identity, emotions, coping strategies, sport involvement, social support, narratives, pain, participation, activity, self-efficacy, and sociability.

Conclusions: This review highlights the need for innovative methodologies and diverse perspectives and sampling in future investigations. Rehabilitation and sport and performance psychology practitioners working with athletes with acquired SCI are encouraged to gain a better understanding of the narratives framing and constraining athletes' life stories and rehabilitation experiences and consider using strategies such as narrative ambushing (Frank, 2010) to help athletes develop new ways of thinking about acquired SCI. Rehabilitation practitioners are also encouraged to discuss and facilitate opportunities to get involved in adaptive sports for athletes with acquired SCI as part of their rehabilitation plan.

Keywords: Psychosocial; acquired disability; adaptation; athlete; spinal cord injury; sport.