Article

The literature on
relationships between psychological factors and quality of life (QOL) of persons
with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: NA. METHODS:
A systematic literature
search was conducted in several online databases (PubMed, Embase and PsychInfo).
Articles were included if they provided quantitative information on associations
between QOL-related dependent variables and psychological factors as independent
variables in an SCI population. The search was limited to empirical studies
published in English. The methodological quality of the included articles was
assessed. RESULTS: A total of 48 studies were included. Total locus of control,
sense of coherence, self-worth, hope, purpose in life and positive affect were
consistently associated with greater QOL. Negative affect and posttraumatic
cognitions were consistently associated with lower QOL. Inconsistent evidence was
found for subscales of locus of control, the role of attribution of blame,
spirituality, personality, appraisals, passive coping and emotion-focused coping.
No evidence was found for an association between active problem-focused coping
styles and QOL. CONCLUSION: Many psychological factors were strongly and
consistently related to QOL, but for some others no or inconsistent evidence was
found. Further research should (1) use larger study groups, preferably in
longitudinal designs, (2) improve terminological precision and avoid conceptual
overlap between determinants and outcomes, (3) increase uniformity of
questionnaires and (4) reexamine concepts that have been abandoned prematurely,
such as personality and social comparison.

Langue : ANGLAIS