Journal Article Details

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:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
Not reported
Research design:
Survey research

Structured abstract:

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:
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.
Setting:
The subjects were all patients treated for a SCI at one of two specialized treatment centers in Australia.
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.
Data collection & analysis:
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.
Findings:
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.
Conclusions:
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.
Disabilities served:
Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Outcomes:
Return to work