PROBLEM-SOLVING APPRAISAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT FOLLOWING SPINAL-CORD INJURY

This study examined the effects of problem-solving appraisal on psychological adjustment following spinal cord injury. It was predicted that self-appraised effective problem-solvers would evidence less depressive behavior and psychosocial impairment and would be more assertive than self-appraised ineffective problem-solvers regardless of time since the onset of injury. Participants included 90 persons receiving either in-patient or out-patient services for spinal cord injury at one of three rehabilitation facilities. Results indicated that problem-solving appraisal was significantly predictive of all three dependent measures, confirming the hypotheses. The findings are discussed as they pertain to theoretical implications for current models of problem-solving appraisal, and in relation to applications of problem-solving in rehabilitation. © 1991 Plenum Publishing Corporation.