Subjective well-being among African-Americans with spinal cord injury: An exploratory study between men and women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in Subjective well-being among 309 African-American participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: A Southeastern specialty hospital. Participants: There were a total of 309 participants, all of whom were African-Americans. All participants had traumatic SCI, were at least 18 years or older at the time of the study, and a minimum of one year had passed since SCI onset. Main Outcome Measures: Measures of subjective well-being included the Life Situation Questionnaire - Revised, Purpose in Life scale, and the Older Adult Health and Mood Questionnaire. Results: Multiple gender differences were observed, with women reporting higher scores on depressive symptoms and negative affect, but lower scores on purpose in life. Other significant findings were observed related to self-reported problems, with men reporting greater problems with pressure ulcers and sexual issues and women reporting greater problems in several areas related to coping and affect. The only gender difference in life satisfaction indicated greater satisfaction with sex life among women. Conclusion: It is clear from the findings that differences do exist among male and female African-Americans with spinal cord injuries. More research is needed to definitively outline differences.