| Citation: |
Murphy, G.C., Young, A.E., Brown, D.J., & King, N.J. (2003). Explaining labor force status following spinal cord injury: The contribution of psychological variables.
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 35
(6),
276-283.
|
| Title: |
Explaining labor force status following spinal cord injury: The contribution of psychological variables |
| Authors: |
Murphy, G.C., Young, A.E., Brown, D.J., & King, N.J. |
| Year: |
2003 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine |
| Publisher: |
Taylor and Francis |
| DOI: |
https://doi.org/10.1080/16501970310015209
|
| Full text: |
https://www.medicaljournals.se/jrm/content/abstract/10.1080/1650197...
|
PDF
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
Not reported
|
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Research design:
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Survey research
|
| Background: |
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) often limits the ability of a person to work. However, remaining productive is very important to the rehabilitation of a person with disabilities, and remains at a suboptimal level for all persons with disabilities, SCI patients included. |
|
Purpose:
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The goal of this study was to research the influence of demographic, injury, and psychological factors on the employment status of people with an SCI. |
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Setting:
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The subjects were all patients treated for a SCI at one of two specialized treatment centers in Australia. |
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Study sample: |
All subjects were discharged from a specialized treatment center with sever neurological damage, were between the ages of 16 and 65, and have had at least 18 months lapse since their initial surgery. |
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Data collection and analysis:
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The data was collected from patients who were scheduled for review at a clinic. The 459 people who consented were given a brief survey, and had their Functional Independence scores provided to the researchers by the hospital. Logistical Regression was used to analyze the data in relation to the research question. |
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Findings:
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Demographic, injury, and psychological factors were found to contribute 30% of the variance experienced in employment criteria. Psychological variables contributed the most out of all of the tested factors. |
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Conclusions:
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While this study shows that psychological variables may have a much greater effect than previously thought, more research is necessary in order to gain a better understanding of the Return to Work process. |