Women's perception of changes in the social network after a spinal cord injury

Purpose. To describe how women with a spinal cord injury (SCI) perceived changes in the social network, and how these changes affected their ability to participate in occupation.

Method. Thirteen women, aged 25 to 61 years, with a SCI were interviewed twice. The interviews focused on their ability to participate in occupation, their relations with individuals within the social network, and changes in the social network following the SCI. The analysis was carried out using qualitative content analysis.

Results. The women described an emotional need for social support after the SCI to participate in occupation. This was a new experience that required time to adapt to. The women also described a need for practical social support from the social network members to manage meaningful occupation. After the SCI, the women had developed new habits through close cooperation with members in the social network. The women felt that they had become more responsible for the development of their relations. Many relations had improved after the SCI, while some had decreased. The women had also developed new relations with other persons with disabilities.

Conclusions. The women perceived substantial changes in the social network following the SCI, which in several ways affected their ability to participate in occupation. To adapt to their new life situation, the women gradually developed different strategies. The results point out the need to identify persons in the social network that women with SCI develop relations with, and integrate them in the rehabilitation process.