Article

This study reports on a patient with spinal cord injury (SCI) in whom the
interaction between social skills and social support seems to influence
functioning. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health (ICF) was used as a reference framework. Qualitative (i.e. observation,
structured, and open interviews with the patient and health professionals) and
quantitative data (i.e. spinal cord independence measure, medical records) were
collected. Content analysis of the interviews was carried out to identify aspects
of social skills and social support. An ICF-based documentation tool (i.e. ICF
Assessment Sheet) was used to structure information about the level of
functioning of body functions and structures, activity and participation, and
environmental and personal factors of a 57-year-old man with incomplete
paraplegia during first rehabilitation. The patient presented a variety of
effective social skills (i.e. assertiveness, goal direction). However, the
adaptation of skills, such as asking for help social problem-solving,
sensitivity, and expressivity in social relations, became necessary to acquire.
The patient received different types of social support (i.e. emotional,
informational, and instrumental) from different sources (e.g. family and
friends). The qualitative interviews provided indications for an interaction
between social skills and social support. The impact of social skills and social
support on functioning is discussed. Social skills can mobilize social support
and enhance functioning. However, better understanding of social skills, social
support, and their interaction in relation to functioning in SCI is required to
develop targeted and effective interventions to strengthen psychosocial resources
for the enhancement of functioning in patients with SCI.

Langue : ANGLAIS