Post-traumatic growth following spinal injury
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of post-traumatic growth following a spinal cord injury: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
IRAS ID
221140
Contact name
Gundi Kiemle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 11 days
Research summary
General Background\nAround 1000 people every year sustain a spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United Kingdom (UK) (NICE, 2016). An SCI impacts on an individual’s physical (Duggan &Dijkers, 2001) and psychological wellbeing (Craig, Tran & Middleton, 2009). However, some individuals report experiencing positive life changes following their SCI (Chun & Lee, 2008). Tedeschi and Calhoun (1996) describe such positive change as post-traumatic growth (PTG).\n\nCurrent UK literature does not fully explain how individuals may experience PTG following their SCI or how they make sense of their PTG. This proposed study aims to improve understanding of PTG in adults with SCIs. The findings could instil hope in individuals who are living with an SCI, as well as their families, and the healthcare professionals involved in their treatment and care. \n\nAim: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in adults following a spinal cord injury (SCI). \n\nObjectives - to explore the following two questions:\n1.\tHow do people experience PTG following an SCI?\n2.\tHow do people with an SCI make sense of the PTG they experience?\n\nMethod\nThe proposed qualitative study is a single cohort design, using in-depth interviews. Transcripts will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).\n\nProcedure\nParticipants will be recruited through both the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre (based at Southport Hospital) and the Merseyside branch of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIAM). If eligible individuals would like to take part in the study, they will be invited to interview at a date, time and location that is best for them (home or at the Spinal Centre). Written informed consent will be sought. Interviews will be approximately one hour in duration and will follow a semi-structured interview format. The interviews will be audio recorded and then transcribed. The transcriptions will then be analysed using IPA.\n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0375
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion